Image photography apparatus, image reproducing apparatus, image photography and reproducing apparatus, stereographic projector, jig for image stereoscopic vision, and printer

ABSTRACT

A liquid crystal display unit has a transmissive liquid crystal plate having a number of pixels arranged on a two-dimensional basis, on which an image is formed, and a light source unit emitting beams of light of a plurality of luminescent colors for irradiating said liquid crystal plate from back. An interface circuit receives an image signal representative of a color image to sequentially form on said liquid crystal plate a plurality of separation images in which the color image is separated in association with the plurality of luminescent colors of said light source unit. The interface circuit causes said light source unit to flash with a luminescent color associated with a separation image formed on said liquid crystal plate in synchronism with a sequential formation of the separation images onto said liquid crystal plate. Beams of light emanated from the light source unit and transmitted through the liquid crystal plate reproduce an image.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a divisional of application Ser. No. 09/922,911, filed on Aug.7, 2001 now abandoned, which is a division of application Ser. No.09/304,844 filed May. 5, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,314,248, granted Nov.6, 2001, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an image photography apparatus suitablefor photography of a three-dimensional image, an image reproducingapparatus suitable for reproduction of a three-dimensional image, animage photography and reproducing apparatus wherein the imagephotography apparatus and the image reproducing apparatus are formed ina unitary body, a stereographic projector for projecting an image for animage stereoscopic vision on a screen, a jig for image stereoscopicvision for visually recognizing the image projected on the screen in theform of a three-dimensional image, and a printer for printing an imagedisplayed on a liquid crystal panel.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Hitherto, it is known that two still images or dynamic images arephotographed through utilizing parallax of right and left eyes, andthose images are reproduced to be observed by the respective right andleft eyes, so that a three-dimensional image can be obtained.

In the event that such a stereographic photography and reproducingsystem is constructed, it is considered that an image is reproduced on ascreen of a television. However, in the event that an exclusive systemis constructed, it is considered that an image is reproduced on a liquidcrystal display plate to provide an image stereoscopic vision. Adoptionof the liquid crystal display plate make it possible to implement acompactness of a system whereby a portable system can be constructed.

A liquid crystal display plate, which is generally adopted for an imagedisplay, is a so-called TFT type of liquid crystal display plate. TheTFT type of liquid crystal display plate is so arranged that a largenumber of pixels, which are arranged as a matrix and are separated intothree primary colors of R, G and B, are used to simultaneously generatethree images associated with the three primary colors of R, G and B,respectively, so that the images can be observed through illuminationfrom the back of the liquid crystal display plate.

In an equipment provided with a liquid crystal display function fordisplaying an image on the TFT type of liquid crystal display plate,particularly, for purpose of the portable use, space for the liquidcrystal display plate is restricted. According to the TFT type of liquidcrystal display plate, the respective pixels for the colors R, G and Bare arranged at regular intervals, and thus the substantial number ofpixels becomes ⅓ of the total number of pixels. This brings about adefect of poor precision. Further, in view of the characteristics of theTFT type of liquid crystal display plate, it is hard to obtain anexcellent resolution. Thus, it is difficult to obtain a fine image to bedisplayed on the liquid crystal display plate. Accordingly, it will beimpossible to read characters written in a fine line, for example.Furthermore, a light source for illuminating the TFT type of liquidcrystal display plate is large in power consumption. The TFT type ofliquid crystal display plate has such a merit that it is possible todisplay an image, whereas it has demerits as mentioned above.

Further, hitherto, there is known a so-called liquid crystal projectorin which an image is reproduced on a liquid crystal display plate inaccordance with image information subjected to a digital imageprocessing, and the liquid crystal display plate is projected onto ascreen via a projection lens through irradiation on the liquid crystaldisplay plate from the back thereof.

A liquid crystal display plate, which is generally adopted for an imagedisplay, is a so-called TFT type of liquid crystal display plate. TheTFT type of liquid crystal display plate is so arranged that a largenumber of pixels, which are arranged as a matrix and are separated intothree primary colors of R, G and B, are used to simultaneously generatethree images associated with the three primary colors of R, G and B,respectively, so that the images can be observed through illuminationfrom the back of the liquid crystal display plate.

However, as mentioned above, according to the TFT type of liquid crystaldisplay plate, the respective pixels for the colors R, G and B arearranged at regular intervals, and thus the substantial number of pixelsbecomes ⅓ of the total number of pixels. This brings about a defect ofpoor precision. Further, in view of the characteristics of the TFT typeof liquid crystal display plate, it is hard to obtain an excellentresolution. Thus, it is difficult to obtain a fine image to be displayedon the liquid crystal display plate. Accordingly, it will be impossibleto read characters written in a fine line, for example. Furthermore, alight source for illuminating the TFT type of liquid crystal displayplate is large in power consumption. The TFT type of liquid crystaldisplay plate has such a merit that it is possible to display an image,whereas it has demerits as mentioned above.

Further, hitherto, it is known that a three-dimensional image can beobtain by reproducing two still image and dynamic image utilizing aparallax of right and left eyes in such a manner that those images areobserved by the right and left eyes. In this case, however, in the eventthat an image for stereoscopic vision is projected onto a screen, it isa problem as to how a high definition of image for stereoscopic visionis projected.

Furthermore, hitherto, there are on the market various types of printerin which an image photographed by a video camera or a digital stillcamera, and a full color image such as a print photograph obtained by ageneral camera, are converted into a digital image signal and printed.Of those types of printer, there is, as disclosed in Japanese PatentPublication Hei. 1-24394, Japanese Patent Application Laid Open GazetteHei. 6-83243, and Japanese Patent Application Laid Open Gazette Hei.8-271995, such a type of printer that a photosensitive material is usedas a recording material, and while a recording head, in whichmicroscopic emitters sequentially emitting beams of light of threeprimary colors are incorporated, is scanned throughout a photosensitivesurface, a full color image is exposed on the photosensitive surfacewith the beams emitted from the microscopic emitters. This type ofprinter can be miniaturized, since power dissipation is small.

In the above-mentioned color printer, in order to obtain an enhancedprint free from color drift or shift and fuzziness, there are needed arecording head into which microscopic emitters for emitting beams oflight of a suitable quantity of light, and optical means for focussingthe beams emitted from the microscopic emitters on a photosensitivesurface with great accuracy, etc. are incorporated, and recording headmoving means for moving the recording head with great accuracy.

However, optical means, which is capable of being used for focussing ofthe microscopic emitters incorporated into the recording head, islimited. That is, such an optical means needs a distributed index lensand microscopic lenses formed through molding optical material, whichare expensive, and thus cannot be used for an inexpensive printer.Likely, the use of the recording head moving means involves a cost upfor the printer, and also hinders miniaturization and weight saving ofthe printer. Further, a decrease of a moving speed of the recording headinvolves a problem that a printing time is elongated.

In the event that a portable printer, which can be driven by a batteryand the like, is constructed, it is considered that as a monitor forconfirming an image to be printed, a liquid crystal display isincorporated into the printer. However, an incorporation of the liquidcrystal display involves a problem of a cost up of the printer. Further,the liquid crystal display is large in power dissipation. Accordingly,in the event that the back light and the like is used in order that itis easy to see an image, this involves a problem that the battery isreadily wasted.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present invention toprovide a compact image reproducing apparatus capable of observing anenhanced image, an image photography apparatus capable of photographingan image suitable for the image reproduction by the above-mentionedimage reproducing apparatus, and an image photography and reproducingapparatus wherein the image photography apparatus and the imagereproducing apparatus are formed in a unitary body.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a stereographicprojector for projecting a high definition image for stereoscopic visionon a screen and a jig for visually recognizing the image projected onthe screen in the form of a three-dimensional image.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a printercapable of obtaining an enhanced printer in compactness, weight saving,and low cost.

To achieve the above-mentioned objects, the present invention providesan image photography apparatus comprising:

a pair of image taking lenses in right and left;

at least one image receiving device for receiving an image formed bysaid pair of image taking lenses to generate an image signalrepresentative of a color image;

an image receiving device driving unit for driving said image receivingdevice to receive the image;

a recording medium driving unit onto which a portable recording mediumis detachably loaded for recording image information on the recordingmedium loaded; and

a control unit for controlling both said image receiving device drivingunit and said recording medium driving unit to cause said imagereceiving device driving unit to drive said image receiving device sothat image information associated with the image signal generated isrecorded on the loaded recording medium.

According to the image photography apparatus of the present invention,there provided a pair of image taking lenses in right and left, andimage information representative of an image formed through the imagetaking lenses is recorded on a portable recording medium. This featuremakes it possible to readily obtain a three-dimensional image.

In the image photography apparatus as mentioned above, it is preferablethat said control unit controls both said image receiving device drivingunit and said recording medium driving unit so as to obtain athree-dimensional still image consisting of a pair of still imagesformed by said pair of image taking lenses. It is also preferable thatsaid control unit controls both said image receiving device driving unitand said recording medium driving unit so as to obtain athree-dimensional dynamic image consisting of a pair of dynamic imagesformed by said pair of image taking lenses.

The image photography apparatus according to the present invention isapplicable to both a three-dimensional still image and athree-dimensional dynamic image.

In case of an arrangement wherein a three-dimensional dynamic image isobtained, it is preferable that said control unit controls both saidimage receiving device driving unit and said recording medium drivingunit so as to obtain a three-dimensional image which is altered at aspeed of 16 frames per second or more.

According to characteristics of human eyes, when an image issequentially altered at a speed of 16 frames per second or more, it isrecognized as a dynamic image.

In the image photography apparatus as mentioned above, it is acceptablethat said recording medium driving unit permits only one recordingmedium to be loaded at a time, and records images formed by said imagereceiving device on the loaded one recording medium. And alternativelyit is acceptable that said recording medium driving unit permits tworecording media to be loaded at a time, and records images formed bysaid image receiving device on the loaded two recording media,respectively.

In the event that only one recording medium is loaded and both the rightand left images are recorded onto the loaded recording medium, it isconvenient to handle the recording medium. On the other hand, in theevent that two recording media are loaded and the right and left imagesare recorded onto the loaded two recording media, respectively, therespective recording media are used on a common basis among photographyand reproducing systems for usual images which are not involved in athree-dimensional image.

Further, to achieve the above-mentioned objects, the present inventionprovides an image reproducing apparatus comprising:

a liquid crystal display unit having a transmissive liquid crystal platehaving a number of pixels arranged on a two-dimensional basis, on whichan image is formed, and a light source unit emitting beams of light of aplurality of luminescent colors for irradiating said liquid crystalplate from back;

an interface circuit for receiving an image signal representative of acolor image to sequentially form on said liquid crystal plate aplurality of separation images in which the color image is separated inassociation with the plurality of luminescent colors of said lightsource unit, said interface circuit causing said light source unit toflash with a luminescent color associated with a separation image formedon said liquid crystal plate in synchronism with a sequential formationof the separation images onto said liquid crystal plate;

a pair of eyepiece window through which a person looks with one's rightand left eyes; and

an image reproducing optical system for transmitting to said pair ofeyepiece window outgoing light carrying the image formed on said liquidcrystal plate, the outgoing light being emitted from said liquid crystaldisplay unit.

The use of the interface circuit as mentioned above makes it possible toform an image using the whole pixels of the liquid crystal plate withrespect to any image of a plurality of colors (e.g. R, G, B), andthereby forming enhanced color image as compared with the conventionalone using the TFT type of liquid crystal plate.

In the image reproducing apparatus as mentioned above, it is preferablethat said interface circuit forms on a time division basis on saidliquid crystal plate a plurality of separation images consisting of aplurality of left eye use separation images in which left eye use colorimages are separated and a plurality of right eye use separation imagesin which right eye use color images are separated, and,

said image reproducing optical system has in its optical path atransmission control member to provide such a control that in a timingwherein the left eye use separation images are formed on said liquidcrystal plate, the outgoing light emitted from said liquid crystaldisplay unit is transmitted to a left eye use eyepiece window of saidpair of eyepiece windows, while the outgoing light is prevented frombeing transmitted to a right eye use eyepiece window, and in a timingwherein the right eye use separation images are formed on said liquidcrystal plate, the outgoing light emitted from said liquid crystaldisplay unit is transmitted to the right eye use eyepiece window, whilethe outgoing light is prevented from being transmitted to the left eyeuse eyepiece window.

In this case, it is acceptable that said transmission control member isa pair of liquid crystal shutters associated with said pair of eyepiecewindows.

This feature as to separation of an image to the right and left makes itpossible to reproduce a three-dimensional image.

In the image reproducing apparatus as mentioned above, it is preferablethat when a plurality of separation images consisting of a plurality ofseparation images constituting a frame of color images for left eye useand a plurality of separation images constituting a frame of colorimages for right eye use is expressed in form of one group, saidinterface circuit alters a separation image on said liquid crystal plateat a speed of 16 groups per second or more, and causes said light sourceunit to flash in synchronism with a sequential formation of theseparation images onto said liquid crystal plate so as to generate apulse light having a luminescent time shorter than a time while a oneseparation image is formed on said liquid crystal plate.

As mentioned above, it is known that according to characteristics of thehuman eyes, when an image is sequentially altered at a speed of 16frames per second or more, it is recognized as a dynamic image.According to the image reproducing apparatus of the present invention, aframe of images (color image) on each of the right and left are furtherseparated into a plurality of separation images, and thus there is aneed to alter an image at higher speed. However, as a standard of thealtering speed, when a plurality of separation images constituting totaltwo frames of color images of one frame on each of right and left isexpressed in the form of one group, the alteration speed is of 16 framesper second or more. This feature makes it possible to form a dynamicimage which is smooth in movement.

Further, the light source unit flash so as to generate a pulse lighthaving a luminescent time shorter than a time while a one separationimage is formed on said liquid crystal plate. This feature make itpossible to suppress a power dissipation.

In an arrangement that an image formed on the liquid crystal plate isseparated into the right and the left, it is acceptable that saidinterface circuit receives a frame of image signals representative of astill color image for left eye use and a frame of image signalsrepresentative of still color image for right eye use, and repeatedlyforms on said liquid crystal plate a plurality of separation imagesconsisting of a plurality of separation images for left eye useconstituting a still color image for left eye use and a plurality ofseparation images for right eye use constituting a still color image forright eye use.

An arrangement that an image formed on the liquid crystal plate isseparated into the right and the left is also applicable to an imagereproducing apparatus for reproducing a still color image.

In the image reproducing apparatus as mentioned above, it is preferablethat said image reproducing apparatus has two said liquid crystaldisplay units for left eye use and right use, respectively,

said interface circuit forms on a time division basis on a liquidcrystal plate for left eye use constituting said liquid crystal displayunit for left eye use a plurality of left eye use separation images inwhich left eye use color images are separated, and forms on a timedivision basis on a liquid crystal plate for right eye use constitutingsaid liquid crystal display unit for right eye use a plurality of righteye use separation images in which right eye use color images areseparated, and

said image reproducing optical system comprises a left eye use imagereproducing optical system in which an outgoing light for left eyeemitted from said liquid crystal display unit for left eye istransmitted to a left eye use eyepiece window of said pair of eyepiecewindows, and a right eye use image reproducing optical system in whichan outgoing light for right eye emitted from said liquid crystal displayunit for right eye is transmitted to a right eye use eyepiece window ofsaid pair of eyepiece windows.

In this case, when a three-dimensional image is reproduced, there is aneed to prepare two liquid crystal display units. However, there is noneed to prepare the liquid crystal shutter, the transmission controlmember for separating an image to the right and the left, thesynchronizing circuit for separation, the driving circuit, etc.

In an arrangement that two liquid crystal display units are provided, itis preferable that when a plurality of separation images constituting aframe of color images provided for one of the left eye and the right eyeis expressed in form of one group, said interface circuit alters aseparation image on said liquid crystal plate for left eye use and aseparation image on said liquid crystal plate for right eye use at aspeed of 16 groups per second or more, respectively, and causes eachlight source unit irradiating an associated liquid crystal plate toflash in synchronism with a sequential formation of the separationimages onto the associated liquid crystal plate so as to generate apulse light having a luminescent time shorter than a time while a oneseparation image is formed on the associated liquid crystal plate.

In case of an arrangement that two liquid crystal display units areprovided, as compared with an arrangement that an image displayed on theliquid crystal plate is separated into the right eye and the left eye,as mentioned above, it is effective, in order to provide an image whichlooks like altered at the same speed for the human eyes, that an imageis altered at half speed on the liquid crystal plate. This feature makesit possible to contribute to cost down or alternatively to provide adynamic image which is more smooth in movement.

In an arrangement that two liquid crystal display units are provided, itis acceptable that said interface circuit receives a frame of imagesignals representative of a still color image for left eye use and aframe of image signals representative of still color image for right eyeuse, and repeatedly forms on said liquid crystal plate for left eye usea plurality of separation images for left eye use constituting a stillcolor image for left eye use and repeatedly forms on said liquid crystalplate for right eye use a plurality of separation images for right eyeuse constituting a still color image for right eye use.

Also in an arrangement that two liquid crystal display units areprovided, in a similar fashion to that of an arrangement that an imagedisplayed on the liquid crystal plate is separated into the right eyeand the left on a time division basis, as mentioned above, it ispossible to apply the arrangement to an image reproducing apparatus forreproducing a still color image.

Here, in the image reproducing apparatus according to the presentinvention, it is preferable that said image reproducing apparatusfurther comprises a recording medium driving unit onto which a portablerecording medium is detachably loaded for transmitting an image signalfrom the loaded recording medium to said interface circuit.

An arrangement that a portable recording medium is loaded to obtain animage signal makes it possible to easily take in an image.

In this case, it is acceptable that said recording medium driving unitpermits only one recording medium to be loaded at a time, and saidrecording medium driving unit receives from the loaded one recordingmedium both an image signal representative of a color image for left eyeand an image signal representative of a color image for right eye, andtransmits those image signals to said interface circuit. Oralternatively, it is acceptable that said recording medium driving unitpermits two recording media to be loaded at a time, and said recordingmedium driving unit receives from one of the loaded two recording mediaan image signal representative of a color image for left eye and fromanother recording medium an image signal representative of a color imagefor right eye, and transmits those both image signals to said interfacecircuit.

In the event that only one recording medium is loaded to take in bothimages of the right and the left from the loaded recording medium, asingle recording medium can be used. Thus it is convenient to handle therecording medium. On the other hand, in the event that two recordingmedia are loaded to obtain the right and left images from the loaded tworecording media, respectively, the respective recording media are usedon a common basis among recording media used in the usual photographyapparatus which are not involved in a three-dimensional image, forexample, a digital camera, a video photography apparatus. Thus, it ispossible that for example, two digital cameras are used to record theright and left images onto two recording media, respectively, and thetwo recording media are loaded onto an image reproducing apparatus oftype capable of loading two recording media so that a three-dimensionalimage is reproduced.

In the image reproducing apparatus according to the present invention asmentioned above, it is preferable that said image reproducing apparatusfurther comprises a receiving unit for receiving radio wave or infraredcarrying image information to generate an image signal and to transmitthe image signal thus generated to said interface circuit.

In this manner, it is acceptable that the apparatus is arranged in sucha manner that an image signal is obtained in the form of radio wave orinfrared.

In the image reproducing apparatus according to the present invention asmentioned above, it is preferable that said interface circuit has anoperating frequency conversion unit receiving an image signal having afirst operating frequency different from a second operating frequencyfor operating said liquid crystal display unit for converting the imagesignal into an image signal synchronized with the second operatingfrequency.

In the event that an image signal and other various type of signals aredealt with, it is generally performed that a predetermined operatingfrequency of clock is established as a reference clock, a signal of typesynchronized with the reference clock is dealt with. As an operatingfrequency generally adopted, for example, 24.5 MHz, 14 MHz, 12.27 MHzare adopted. However, there is a possibility that the operatingfrequency optimum to the liquid crystal display unit is not coincidentwith the operating frequency generally adopted as mentioned above. Inview of the foregoing, according to the present invention, theabove-referenced interface circuit has the above-referenced operatingfrequency conversion unit. This feature makes it possible to receive animage signal synchronized with the operating frequency generallyadopted, for example, 24.5 MHz, and convert the same to the operatingfrequency optimum to the liquid crystal display unit to display animage.

In the image reproducing apparatus according to the present invention asmentioned above, it is preferable that said image reproducing apparatusfurther comprises an image attitude correction circuit for correcting anattitude of an image so that an image provided by light emitted fromsaid light source unit and transmitted through said liquid crystal plateis observed in form of an erect image.

The image attitude correction circuit is incorporated into the interfacecircuit, or alternatively is located before or after the interfacecircuit. This image attitude correction circuit serves as a circuit inwhich for example, an image inverted with respect to the right and leftand an image reversed with respect to the top and bottom are formed onthe liquid crystal plate by a signal processing, so that an imageattitude is corrected in such a manner that those images are finallyobserved as an erect image for human eyes. The image attitude correctioncircuit is needed in the event that an image on the liquid crystal plateis observed for the human eyes in the form of a reverse image.

To achieve the above-mentioned objects, the present invention providesan image photography and reproducing apparatus comprising:

a pair of image taking lenses in right and left;

at least one image receiving device for receiving an image formed bysaid pair of image taking lenses to generate an image signalrepresentative of a color image;

an image receiving device driving unit for driving said image receivingdevice to receive the image;

a recording medium driving unit onto which a portable recording mediumis detachably loaded for recording image information on the recordingmedium loaded;

a liquid crystal display unit having a transmissive liquid crystal platehaving a number of pixels arranged on a two-dimensional basis, on whichan image is formed, and a light source unit emitting beams of light of aplurality of luminescent colors for irradiating said liquid crystalplate from back;

an interface circuit for receiving an image signal representative of acolor image to sequentially form on said liquid crystal plate aplurality of separation images in which the color image is separated inassociation with the plurality of luminescent colors of said lightsource unit, said interface circuit causing said light source unit toflash with a luminescent color associated with a separation image formedon said liquid crystal plate in synchronism with a sequential formationof the separation images onto said liquid crystal plate;

a pair of eyepiece window through which a person looks with one's rightand left eyes;

an image reproducing optical system for transmitting to said pair ofeyepiece window outgoing light carrying the image formed on said liquidcrystal plate, the outgoing light being emitted from said liquid crystaldisplay unit; and

a control unit for causing image information associated with the imagesignal generated from said image receiving device to be recorded on theloaded recording medium, and for causing image signal obtained from therecording medium to be transmitted to said interface circuit.

The image photography and reproducing apparatus of the present inventionhas both the features of the image photography apparatus of the presentinvention and the image reproducing apparatus of the present invention.This feature makes it possible to be more convenient to deal with theapparatus as compared with a case where the image photography apparatusand the image reproducing apparatus are separately provided.

Incidentally, with respect to the image photography and reproducingapparatus of c, only a basic structural arrangement of the apparatus israised. It is noted, however, that the image photography and reproducingapparatus of the image photography and reproducing apparatus includescombinations of all the aspects of the image photography apparatus andall the aspects of the image reproducing apparatus.

As mentioned above, according to the present invention, it is possibleto provide an image reproducing apparatus capable of observing a highdefinition of image, an image photography apparatus capable ofphotographing an image suitable for an image reproduction by the imagephotography apparatus, and an image photography and reproducingapparatus of a combination of the image reproducing apparatus and theimage photography apparatus.

Further, according to the present invention, provision of a liquidcrystal display unit adopting a transmissive matrix drive-type liquidcrystal plate, which is improved in compactness, power saving,resolution and responsibility, and an interface circuit suitably drivingsuch a liquid crystal display unit makes it possible to obtain anenhanced image. Further, since this combination makes it possible toimplement the enhanced image, it is possible to discriminate and observenot only an image but also fine character information. Furthermore, itis possible to reduce a power dissipation, and thus it is possible touse an image reproducing apparatus in which a battery is a main powersource or an image photography and reproducing apparatus withoutexchange of a battery for a long time.

Still further, according to the present invention, wide choices of animage reproduction optical system may be given, and thus it is possibleto obtain a great freedom for selecting a form or type suitable for anobject of an image reproducing apparatus or an image photography andreproducing apparatus.

To achieve the above-mentioned objects, the present invention provides astereographic projector comprising:

a liquid crystal display unit having a transmissive liquid crystal platehaving a number of pixels arranged on a two-dimensional basis, on whichan image is formed, and a light source unit emitting beams of light of aplurality of luminescent colors for irradiating said liquid crystalplate from back;

an interface circuit for receiving an image signal representative of acolor image for left eye use and an image signal representative of acolor image for right eye use to sequentially form on said liquidcrystal plate a plurality of separation images consisting of a pluralityof separation images for left eye use and a plurality of separationimages for right eye use wherein each of the color image for left eyeuse and the color image for right eye is separated in association withthe plurality of luminescent colors of said light source unit, saidinterface circuit causing said light source unit to flash with aluminescent color associated with a separation image formed on saidliquid crystal plate in synchronism with a sequential formation of theseparation images onto said liquid crystal plate;

a projection optical system for emitting outside light emanated fromsaid light source unit and transmitted through said liquid crystal plateto project an image displayed on said liquid crystal plate onto anexternal screen; and

a timing signal generating circuit for generating a timing signal todiscriminate a timing wherein a separation image for left eye use isformed on said liquid crystal plate and a timing wherein a separationimage for right eye use is formed on said liquid crystal plate.

According to the above-mentioned stereographic projector of the presentinvention, beams of light transmitted through the liquid crystal plateis emitted outside, and an image displayed on said liquid crystal plateis projected onto an external screen. And, alternatively, it isacceptable that the stereographic projector has a screen per se.

As a stereographic projector having such an arrangement, there isprovided a stereographic projector comprising:

a liquid crystal display unit having a transmissive liquid crystal platehaving a number of pixels arranged on a two-dimensional basis, on whichan image is formed, and a light source unit emitting beams of light of aplurality of luminescent colors for irradiating said liquid crystalplate from back;

an interface circuit for receiving an image signal representative of acolor image for left eye use and an image signal representative of acolor image for right eye use to sequentially form on said liquidcrystal plate a plurality of separation images consisting of a pluralityof separation images for left eye use and a plurality of separationimages for right eye use wherein each of the color image for left eyeuse and the color image for right eye is separated in association withthe plurality of luminescent colors of said light source unit, saidinterface circuit causing said light source unit to flash with aluminescent color associated with a separation image formed on saidliquid crystal plate in synchronism with a sequential formation of theseparation images onto said liquid crystal plate;

a screen on which light emanated from said light source unit andtransmitted through said liquid crystal plate is projected;

a projection optical system for projecting an image displayed on saidliquid crystal plate onto said screen; and

a timing signal generating circuit for generating a timing signal todiscriminate a timing wherein a separation image for left eye use isformed on said liquid crystal plate and a timing wherein a separationimage for right eye use is formed on said liquid crystal plate.

Further, it is acceptable that a stereographic projector according tothe present invention serves both as a type in which an image isprojected onto an external screen and another type having an internalscreen per se in which an image is projected onto the internal screen.In this case, there is provided such an arrangement that thestereographic projector further comprises optical path switching meansfor switching between an optical path for projecting the light emanatedfrom said light source unit and transmitted through said liquid crystalplate to said screen and an optical path for projecting the lightemanated from said light source unit and transmitted through said liquidcrystal plate to an external screen.

Here, as a typical structural example of the stereographic projectoraccording to the present invention, there is provided such anarrangement that the light source unit of said liquid crystal displayunit emits beams of light of three primary colors of red, green andblue, and

said interface circuit separates an color image for left eye into threeseparation images associated with red, green and blue per frame,respectively, and separates an color image for right eye into threeseparation images associated with red, green and blue per frame,respectively, so that total six separation images per frame aresequentially formed on said liquid crystal plate.

Further, as a typical structural example of the stereographic projectoraccording to the present invention, there is provided such anarrangement that the timing signal generated in said timing signalgenerating circuit is outputted to the exterior, and an image isvisually recognized in the form of a three-dimensional image by anobserver who mounts a jig for image stereoscopic vision which will bedescribed later. In this case, it is acceptable that the timing signalgenerated in said timing signal generating circuit is directly outputtedto the exterior in the form of an electric signal, or alternatively itis acceptable that said stereographic projector further comprises atiming signal output circuit for outputting radio wave or infraredcarrying the timing signal generated in said timing signal generatingcircuit.

For example, a form wherein a jig for image stereoscopic vision whichwill be described later is incorporated into a stereographic projector,or a form including an arrangement corresponding to such a jig for imagestereoscopic vision, may be referred to as a stereographic projector.That is, in such a stereographic projector, said stereographic projectorfurther comprises an image transmission control unit disposed betweenright and left eyes of an observer and said screen for providing basedon the timing signal generated in said timing signal generating circuitsuch a control that in a timing wherein the left eye use separationimages are formed on said liquid crystal plate, an image on said screenis transmitted to the left eye of the observer, while an optical pathextending to the right eye of the observer is blocked, and in a timingwherein the right eye use separation images are formed on said liquidcrystal plate, the image on said screen is transmitted to the right eyeof the observer, while an optical path extending to the left eye of theobserver is blocked.

It is preferable that said image transmission control unit comprises:

a pair of liquid crystal shutters for left eye use and right eye use,which are controlled in accordance with the timing signal so as toalternately offer a light transmissive state and a light blocking state;and

a holding member for holding said pair of liquid crystal shutters, saidholding member having mounting means which can be mounted on theobserver in such a manner that the liquid crystal shutter for left eyeuse and the liquid crystal shutter for right eye use are set before theleft eye and the right eye of the observer, respectively.

When a jig for image stereoscopic vision is recognized as one which isnot integral with a stereographic projector, the present inventionprovides a jig for image stereoscopic vision comprising:

mounting means to be mounted on an observer in such a manner that saidmounting means is located before eyes of the observer; and

an image transmission control unit receiving a timing signal todiscriminate a timing wherein an image is provided to left eye of theobserver and a timing wherein an image is provided to right eye of theobserver for providing based on the timing signal generated in saidtiming signal such a control that in the timing wherein an image isprovided to left eye of the observer, a view of left eye of the observeris ensured, while a view of right eye of the observer is blocked, and inthe timing wherein an image is provided to right eye of the observer, aview of right eye of the observer is ensured, while a view of left eyeof the observer is blocked.

In the jig for image stereoscopic vision as mentioned above, it ispreferable that said an image transmission control unit has a liquidcrystal shutter for left eye use and the liquid crystal shutter forright eye use, which are set before the left eye and the right eye ofthe observer, respectively, when the observer mounts said jig, and saidliquid crystal shutters for left eye use and right eye use arecontrolled in accordance with the timing signal so as to alternatelyoffer a light transmissive state and a light blocking state.

In the jig for image stereoscopic vision as mentioned above, it is alsopreferable that said jig comprises a timing signal receiving unit forreceiving radio wave or infrared carrying the timing signal.

The use of the interface circuit regarding the stereoscopic projector asmentioned above makes it possible to form an image using the wholepixels of the liquid crystal plate with respect to any image of aplurality of colors (e.g. R, G, B), and thereby forming enhanced colorimage as compared with the conventional one using the TFT type of liquidcrystal plate.

Further, according to the stereoscopic projector of the presentinvention, there are provided a timing signal generating circuit forgenerating a timing signal to discriminate a timing wherein a separationimage for left eye use is formed on said liquid crystal plate and atiming wherein a separation image for right eye use is formed on saidliquid crystal plate; and image transmission control unit disposedbetween right and left eyes of an observer and said screen for providingbased on the timing signal generated in said timing signal generatingcircuit such a control that in a timing wherein the left eye useseparation images are formed on said liquid crystal plate, an image onsaid screen is transmitted to the left eye of the observer, while anoptical path extending to the right eye of the observer is blocked, andin a timing wherein the right eye use separation images are formed onsaid liquid crystal plate, the image on said screen is transmitted tothe right eye of the observer, while an optical path extending to theleft eye of the observer is blocked. This feature makes it possible foran observer to visually recognize an image in the form of athree-dimensional image utilizing the after-image phenomenon of eyes.

That is, the present invention utilize the after-image phenomenon ofeyes for recognition of both a color image and a three-dimensionalimage.

Here, when a timing signal generated the stereographic projector isoutputted to the exterior, and the timing signal is received by a jigfor image stereographic vision, the timing signal is received throughinfrared or radio wave. This is convenient since there is no need toprovide a code.

In the stereographic projector according to the present invention, it ispreferable that when a plurality of separation images consisting of aplurality of separation images constituting a frame of color images forleft eye use and a plurality of separation images constituting a frameof color images for right eye use is expressed in form of one group,said interface circuit alters a separation image on said liquid crystalplate at a speed of 16 groups per second or more, and causes said lightsource unit to flash in synchronism with a sequential formation of theseparation images onto said liquid crystal plate so as to generate apulse light having a luminescent time shorter than a time while a oneseparation image is formed on said liquid crystal plate.

It is known that according to characteristics of the human eyes, when animage is sequentially altered at a speed of 16 frames per second ormore, it is recognized as a dynamic image. According to the imagereproducing apparatus of the present invention, a frame of images (colorimage) on each of the right and left are further separated into aplurality of separation images, and thus there is a need to alter animage at higher speed. However, as a standard of the altering speed,when a plurality of separation images constituting total two frames ofcolor images of one frame on each of right and left is expressed in theform of one group, the alteration speed is of 16 frames per second ormore. This feature makes it possible to form a dynamic image which issmooth in movement.

Further, the light source unit flash so as to generate a pulse lighthaving a luminescent time shorter than a time while a one separationimage is formed on said liquid crystal plate. This feature make itpossible to suppress a power dissipation.

In the stereographic projector according to the present invention asmentioned above, it is acceptable that said interface circuit receives aframe of image signals representative of a still color image for lefteye use and a frame of image signals representative of still color imagefor right eye use, and repeatedly forms on said liquid crystal plate aplurality of separation images consisting of a plurality of separationimages for left eye use constituting a still color image for left eyeuse and a plurality of separation images for right eye use constitutinga still color image for right eye use.

The present invention is applicable to a stereographic projector forreproducing a three-dimensional still color image.

In the stereographic projector according to the present invention asmentioned above, it is preferable that said stereographic projectorfurther comprises a recording medium driving unit onto which a portablerecording medium is detachably loaded for transmitting an image signalfrom the loaded recording medium to said interface circuit.

An arrangement that a portable recording medium is loaded to obtain animage signal makes it possible to easily take in an image.

In this case, it is acceptable that said recording medium driving unitpermits only one recording medium to be loaded at a time, and saidrecording medium driving unit receives from the loaded one recordingmedium both an image signal representative of a color image for left eyeand an image signal representative of a color image for right eye, andtransmits those image signals to said interface circuit. Alternativelyit is acceptable that said recording medium driving unit permits tworecording media to be loaded at a time, and said recording mediumdriving unit receives from one of the loaded two recording media animage signal representative of a color image for left eye and fromanother recording medium an image signal representative of a color imagefor right eye, and transmits those both image signals to said interfacecircuit.

In the event that only one recording medium is loaded to take in bothimages of the right and the left from the loaded recording medium, asingle recording medium can be used. Thus it is convenient to handle therecording medium. On the other hand, in the event that two recordingmedia are loaded to obtain the right and left images from the loaded tworecording media, respectively, the respective recording media are usedon a common basis among recording media used in the usual photographyapparatus which are not involved in a three-dimensional image, forexample, a digital camera, a video photography apparatus. Thus, it ispossible that for example, two digital cameras are used to record theright and left images onto two recording media, respectively, and thetwo recording media are loaded onto an image reproducing apparatus oftype capable of loading two recording media so that a three-dimensionalimage is reproduced.

In the stereographic projector according to the present invention, it ispreferable that said stereographic projector further comprises areceiving unit for receiving radio wave or infrared carrying imageinformation to generate an image signal and to transmit the image signalthus generated to said interface circuit.

In the stereographic projector according to the present invention, it ispreferable that said interface circuit has an operating frequencyconversion unit receiving an image signal having a first operatingfrequency different from a second operating frequency for operating saidliquid crystal display unit for converting the image signal into animage signal synchronized with the second operating frequency.

In the stereographic projector according to the present invention, it ispreferable that said stereographic projector further comprises an imageattitude correction means for correcting an attitude of an image so thatan image provided by light emitted from said light source unit andtransmitted through said liquid crystal plate is observed in form of anerect image.

The image attitude correction means is incorporated into the interfacecircuit, or alternatively is located before or after the interfacecircuit. It is acceptable the image attitude correction means is one inwhich for example, an image inverted with respect to the right and leftand an image reversed with respect to the top and bottom are formed onthe liquid crystal plate by a signal processing, so that an imageattitude is corrected in such a manner that those images are finallyobserved as an erect image for human eyes. Alternatively, it isacceptable that the image attitude correction means is incorporated intothe imaging optical system to optically correct the image attitude.

As a case where a correction of an image attitude is needed, there areconsidered, for example, a case where an image on a liquid crystal plateis reversed and projected on a screen in accordance with a projectionoptical system, and a case where an optical system is switched betweenan optical path for projecting an image on a screen mounted on a covermember and an optical path in which beams of light are transmitted tothe exterior and an image is projecting on an external screen, forexample, a wall of a room.

In the stereographic projector according to the present invention, it ispreferable that said stereographic projector further comprises an audiooutput device for outputting voice or audio-signal.

Provision of a stereographic projector capable of outputting an imageand a voice as well makes it possible to improve an operationalefficiency and thereby having various uses.

In the stereographic projector according to the present invention, it ispreferable that said stereographic projector further comprises:

a pair of image taking lenses in right and left; and

at least one image receiving device for receiving an image formed bysaid pair of image taking lenses to generate an image signalrepresentative of a color image.

While it may be considered to arrange a stereographic photographyapparatus which is not integrated with a stereographic projector, it isso arranged that a stereographic projector has a stereographicphotography function. This feature makes it possible to rendercoordinated movements of photography and reproduction of athree-dimensional image, and thus it is convenient to deal with theapparatus.

As mentioned above, according to the present invention, an image forstereoscopic vision is projected onto a screen, and it is possible toprovide a high definition of three-dimensional image for an observer.

Further, according to the present invention, an image is projected ontoa screen. Thus, provision of a plurality of jigs for image stereoscopicvision referred to in the present invention for example makes itpossible that a plurality of observers simultaneously observe athree-dimensional image.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, provision of a liquidcrystal display unit adopting a transmissive matrix drive-type liquidcrystal plate, which is improved in compactness, power saving,resolution and responsibility, and an interface circuit suitably drivingsuch a liquid crystal display unit makes it possible to obtain anenhanced image. Further, since this combination makes it possible toimplement the enhanced image, it is possible to discriminate and observenot only an image but also fine character information. Furthermore, itis possible to reduce a power dissipation, and thus it is possible touse an image reproducing apparatus in which a battery is a main powersource or an image photography and reproducing apparatus withoutexchange of a battery for a long time.

Still furthermore, according to the present invention, wide choices ofan image reproduction optical system may be given, and thus it ispossible to obtain a great freedom for selecting a form or type suitablefor an object of an image reproducing apparatus or an image photographyand reproducing apparatus.

To achieve the above-mentioned objects, the present invention provides aprinter comprising:

An exposing liquid crystal display unit having a transmissive liquidcrystal panel having a number of pixels arranged on a two-dimensionalbasis, on which an image is formed, and a light source unit emittingbeams of light of a plurality of luminescent colors for irradiating saidliquid crystal panel from back;

an interface circuit for separating an entered color image signal to aplurality of color image signals associated with a plurality ofluminescent colors of said light source unit, respectively, tosequentially form on said liquid crystal panel a plurality of separationimages associated with the plurality of color image signals, saidinterface circuit causing said light source unit to flash with aluminescent color associated with a separation image formed on saidliquid crystal panel in synchronism with a sequential formation of theseparation images onto said liquid crystal panel; and

an exposing optical system for magnifying and projecting an image formedon said exposing liquid crystal display unit to provide imaging on asensitive plane of a sensitive material.

According to the above-mentioned printer, it is possible to obtain anenhanced print.

In the printer according to the present invention as mentioned above, itis preferable that said sensitive material is an instant film unit, andsaid printer has means for developing the instant film unit anddischarging the same. This feature makes it possible to obtain a printpromptly.

In the printer according to the present invention as mentioned above, itis preferable that said printer has an observing liquid crystal displayunit for observing an image, in addition to said exposing liquid crystaldisplay unit. It is acceptable that said observing liquid crystaldisplay unit is of a same type as said exposing liquid crystal displayunit, wherein an observation is performed through an observing opticalsystem. Alternatively, it is also acceptable that said observing liquidcrystal display unit is of a different type from said exposing liquidcrystal display unit, wherein an observation is performed directly orthrough an observing optical system. It is preferable that saidobserving liquid crystal display unit is of a different type from saidexposing liquid crystal display unit, and is disposed between a pair ofpressing members which press an instant film unit to an exposureposition. This feature makes it possible to effectively utilize a spaceof the printer.

In the printer according to the present invention as mentioned above, itis preferable that said observing optical system comprises a magnifyinglens for ejecting from an eyepiece window an image magnified from animage formed on the observing liquid crystal display unit. Here, saidmagnifying lens is a Galilean optical system, or a Keplerian opticalsystem.

In the printer according to the present invention as mentioned above, itis acceptable that two reflective mirrors are disposed between saidliquid crystal display unit and the sensitive plane, and an exposingoptical path is shaped as a Z-like. Alternatively, it is also acceptablethat a reflective mirror is disposed between said liquid crystal displayunit and the sensitive plane, and an exposing optical path is shaped asa L-like. This feature makes it possible to contribute to a compactnessof the printer.

In the printer according to the present invention as mentioned above, itis preferable that said interface circuit has an operating frequencyconversion unit for converting an inputted image signal into an imagesignal synchronized with an operating frequency of said exposing liquidcrystal display unit. This feature makes it possible to prevent afrequency shift for an image.

In the printer according to the present invention as mentioned above, itis preferable that said interface circuit causes said light source unitto flash with a luminescent time shorter than a time for an imageassociated with the color image signal. This feature makes it possibleto obtain an enhanced full color image.

It is preferable that said interface circuit repeatedly forms a frame ofcolor images on said exposing liquid crystal display unit so that aframe of color images is continuously displayed.

It is preferable that said printer further comprises image attitudecorrection means for correcting attitude of an image displayed on saidexposing liquid crystal display unit so that an image formed on thesensitive material is observed in form of an erect image.

The present invention provides a printer comprising:

An liquid crystal display unit having a transmissive liquid crystalpanel having a number of pixels arranged on a two-dimensional basis, onwhich an image is formed, and a light source unit emitting beams oflight of a plurality of luminescent colors for irradiating said liquidcrystal panel from back;

an interface circuit for separating an entered color image signal to aplurality of color image signals associated with a plurality ofluminescent colors of said light source unit, respectively, tosequentially form on said liquid crystal panel a plurality of separationimages associated with the plurality of color image signals, saidinterface circuit causing said light source unit to flash with aluminescent color associated with a separation image formed on saidliquid crystal panel in synchronism with a sequential formation of theseparation images onto said liquid crystal panel;

optical path switching means for switching between an exposing opticalpath for transmitting light of said light source unit transmittedthrough said liquid crystal panel to a sensitive plane of a sensitivematerial as a recording material and an observing optical path fortransmitting light of said light source unit transmitted through saidliquid crystal panel to an external observation window;

an exposing optical system for magnifying and projecting an image formedon said liquid crystal display unit to provide imaging on a sensitiveplane of a sensitive material; and

an observing optical system for magnifying and projecting an imageformed on said liquid crystal display unit onto the observation windowthrough an observing optical path.

The above-mentioned printer makes it possible to form an enhanced colorimage. Further, it is possible to expose on the sensitive material animage displayed on the liquid crystal display unit, and in addition toperform an image observation.

In the printer according to the present invention as mentioned above, itis preferable that said exposing optical system and said observingoptical system are commonly used by a single imaging optical systemdisposed within an optical path in which the exposing optical path andthe observing optical path are partially overlapped, and said imagingoptical system is translated, operating together a switching operationof said optical path switching means, between a position in which animage formed on said liquid crystal display unit is imaged on thesensitive plane of the sensitive material and a position in which animage formed on said liquid crystal display unit is imaged on anobserving screen provided on the observation window. This feature makesit possible to obtain a suitable image focused both at the time ofexposure and observation.

In the printer according to the present invention as mentioned above, itis preferable that said observing optical system is disposed within anoptical path in which the exposing optical path and the observingoptical path are partially overlapped, and at time of exposure onto thesensitive material said exposing optical system and said observingoptical system are used to image an image formed on said liquid crystaldisplay unit on the sensitive plane, and at time of projection of theimage onto the observation window with magnification only said observingoptical system is used. This feature makes it possible to avoid aprocess of focus for an optical system.

In the printer according to the present invention as mentioned above, itis preferable that said observation window is an eyepiece window whichis used for an observation in a state of eyepiece state, and saidobserving optical system comprises a magnifying lens for ejecting froman eyepiece window an image magnified from an image formed on theobserving liquid crystal display unit. This feature makes it possible tosimplify an arrangement of an observing optical path. In this case, itis acceptable that said magnifying lens is a Galilean optical system, ora Keplerian optical system.

It is acceptable that two reflective mirrors are disposed between saidliquid crystal display unit and the sensitive plane, and an exposingoptical path is shaped as a Z-like. Alternatively, it is acceptable thata reflective mirror is disposed between said liquid crystal display unitand the sensitive plane, and an exposing optical path is shaped as aL-like. This feature makes it possible to contribute to a compactness ofthe printer.

It is acceptable that said optical path switching means comprises aswitching reflecting mirror disposed opposing against said liquidcrystal display unit and movable a position in which light of said lightsource unit transmitted through said liquid crystal panel is reflectedtoward the exposing optical path and a position in which light of saidlight source unit transmitted through said liquid crystal panel isreflected toward the observing optical path.

It is acceptable that between said liquid crystal display unit and thesensitive plane said switching reflecting mirror and an exposingreflecting mirror are disposed to form a Z-like shaped exposing opticalpath, and between said liquid crystal display unit and the observationwindow said switching reflecting mirror and an observing reflectingmirror are disposed to form a L-like shaped observing optical path.

It is acceptable that said sensitive material is an instant film unit,and said printer has means for developing the instant film unit anddischarging the same.

It is acceptable that said interface circuit has an operating frequencyconversion unit for converting an inputted image signal into an imagesignal synchronized with an operating frequency of said exposing liquidcrystal display unit.

It is acceptable that said interface circuit causes said light sourceunit to flash with a luminescent time shorter than a time for an imageassociated with the color image signal.

It is acceptable that said interface circuit repeatedly forms a frame ofcolor images on said exposing liquid crystal display unit so that aframe of color images is continuously displayed.

It is acceptable that said printer further comprises image attitudecorrection means for correcting attitude of an image displayed on saidexposing liquid crystal display unit so that an image formed on thesensitive material is observed in form of an erect image.

It is acceptable that said image attitude correction means operates orstops in operation working together an switching operation of saidoptical path switching means.

As mentioned above, according to the present invention, a surfaceexposure is performed by a liquid crystal display unit capable ofdisplaying an enhanced full color image. Thus, it is possible to providea printer capable of obtaining an enhanced print quickly with a lowcost. Further, by optionally altering an exposing optical system, it ispossible to readily select among various exposure magnification factors.Furthermore, since the liquid crystal display unit is little in powerdissipation, the liquid crystal display unit is readily applicable to acompact and light portable printer. In the event that the liquid crystaldisplay unit is arranged in such a manner that the liquid crystaldisplay unit is used on a common basis both as an exposing use and animage observing use, it is possible to contribute to a low cost andreduction of a power dissipation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing appearance of a first embodiment ofan image photography apparatus according to the present inventionlooking from the front side.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing appearance of a first embodiment ofan image photography apparatus according to the present inventionlooking from the back side.

FIG. 3 is a view showing a main internal structure of the firstembodiment of the image photography apparatus according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a circuit structure of the imagephotography apparatus shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3.

FIG. 5 is a perspective diagram view of a second embodiment of an imagephotography apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a circuit structure of the imagephotography apparatus shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a view showing a main internal structure of an imagereproducing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along the line A-A of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a circuit structure of the imagereproducing apparatus shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.

FIG. 10 is a circuit block diagram of an internal structure of aninterface circuit.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of a liquid crystal display unit accordingto one embodiment.

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a liquid crystal display unitaccording to one embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view of a liquid crystal display unit accordingto an alternative embodiment.

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of a liquid crystal display unitaccording to an alternative embodiment excepting a cover member.

FIG. 15 is a time chart for an example of a sequence for forming animage on a liquid crystal plate constituting a liquid crystal displayunit.

FIG. 16 is a time chart for an alternative example of a sequence forforming an image on a liquid crystal plate constituting a liquid crystaldisplay unit.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram of an operating frequency conversion circuitconstituting the interface circuit shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 18 is a typical illustration showing a main internal structure of asecond embodiment of an image reproducing apparatus according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 19 is a typical illustration showing a main internal structure of athird embodiment of an image reproducing apparatus according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 20 shows a sectional view taken along the line A-A of FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is a typical illustration showing a main internal structure of afourth embodiment of an image reproducing apparatus according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 22 shows a sectional view taken along the line A-A of FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is a typical illustration showing a main internal structure of afifth embodiment of an image reproducing apparatus according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 24 shows a sectional view taken along the line A-A of FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is a block diagram of a circuit structure of the imagereproducing apparatus shown in FIGS. 23 and 24.

FIG. 26 is a time chart useful for understanding timing of an imageformation onto the respective liquid crystal plates of two liquidcrystal display units.

FIG. 27 is a typical illustration showing a main internal structure of asixth embodiment of an image reproducing apparatus according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 28 is a typical illustration showing a main internal structure of aseventh embodiment of an image reproducing apparatus according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 29 shows a sectional view taken along the line A-A of FIG. 28.

FIG. 30 is a typical illustration showing a main internal structure ofan eighth embodiment of an image reproducing apparatus according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 31 shows a sectional view taken along the line A-A of FIG. 30.

FIG. 32 is a typical illustration showing a main internal structure of aninth embodiment of an image reproducing apparatus according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 33 shows a sectional view taken along the line A-A of FIG. 32.

FIG. 34 is a block diagram of a circuit structure of the imagereproducing apparatus shown in FIGS. 32 and 33.

FIG. 35 is a typical illustration showing a main internal structure of atenth embodiment of an image reproducing apparatus according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 36 shows a sectional view taken along the line A-A of FIG. 35.

FIG. 37 is a block diagram of a circuit structure of the imagereproducing apparatus shown in FIGS. 35 and 36.

FIG. 38 is a typical illustration showing a main internal structure ofan eleventh embodiment of an image reproducing apparatus according to ofthe present invention.

FIG. 39 shows a sectional view taken along the line A-A of FIG. 38.

FIG. 40 is a perspective view showing appearance of an imagephotographic and reproducing apparatus according to an embodiment of thepresent invention looking from the front side.

FIG. 41 is a perspective view showing appearance of an imagephotographic and reproducing apparatus according to an embodiment of thepresent invention looking from the back side.

FIG. 42 is a view showing a main internal structure of the imagephotographic and reproducing apparatus according to the presentembodiment.

FIG. 43 is a block diagram of a circuit structure of the imagephotography apparatus shown in FIGS. 40, 41 and 42.

FIG. 44 is a typical illustration showing a main internal structure of afirst embodiment of a stereographic projector according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 45 shows a sectional view taken along the line A-A of FIG. 44.

FIG. 46 is a typical perspective view of a first embodiment of a jig foran image stereoscopic vision which is used when an image projected ontoa screen is observed.

FIG. 47 is a perspective view of a distributor which is used when animage projected onto a screen is simultaneously observed by a pluralityof persons.

FIG. 48 is a block diagram of a circuit structure of the stereographicprojector shown in FIGS. 44 and 45 and the jig for an image stereoscopicvision shown in FIG. 46.

FIG. 49 is a circuit block diagram of an internal structure of aninterface circuit.

FIG. 50 is a sectional view of a liquid crystal display unit accordingto one embodiment.

FIG. 51 is an exploded perspective view of a liquid crystal display unitaccording to one embodiment.

FIG. 52 is a sectional view of a liquid crystal display unit accordingto an alternative embodiment.

FIG. 53 is an exploded perspective view of a liquid crystal display unitaccording to an alternative embodiment excepting a cover member.

FIG. 54 is a time chart for an example of a sequence for forming animage on a liquid crystal plate constituting a liquid crystal displayunit.

FIG. 55 is a time chart for an alternative example of a sequence forforming an image on a liquid crystal plate constituting a liquid crystaldisplay unit.

FIG. 56 is a block diagram of an operating frequency conversion circuitconstituting the interface circuit shown in FIG. 49.

FIG. 57 is a typical illustration showing a main internal structure of asecond embodiment of a stereographic projector according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 58 shows a sectional view taken along the line A-A of FIG. 57.

FIG. 59 is a block diagram of a circuit structure of the stereographicprojector shown in FIGS. 57 and 58.

FIG. 60 is a perspective view showing appearance of a third embodimentof a stereographic projector according to the present invention.

FIG. 61 shows a sectional view taken along the line A-A of FIG. 60.

FIG. 62 is a block diagram of a circuit structure of the stereographicprojector shown in FIGS. 60 and 61.

FIG. 63 is a typical illustration of a second embodiment of a jig for animage stereoscopic vision according to the present invention.

FIG. 64 is a block diagram of a circuit structure of the jig for imagestereoscopic vision shown in FIG. 63.

FIG. 65 is a perspective view showing appearance of a fourth embodimentof a stereographic projector according to the present invention.

FIG. 66 shows a sectional view taken along the line A-A of FIG. 65.

FIG. 67 is a block diagram of a circuit structure of the stereographicprojector shown in FIGS. 65 and 66.

FIG. 68 is a perspective view showing appearance of a fifth embodimentof a stereographic projector according to the present invention.

FIG. 69 shows a sectional view taken along the line B-B of FIG. 68.

FIG. 70 is a perspective view showing appearance of a fifth embodimentof a stereographic projector according to the present invention.

FIG. 71 is a typical illustration showing a main internal structure of astereographic projector shown in FIG. 70.

FIG. 72 is a block diagram of a circuit structure of the stereographicprojector shown in FIGS. 70 and 71.

FIG. 73 is a sectional view of a first embodiment of a printer accordingto the present invention.

FIG. 74 is a perspective view showing appearance of the first embodimentof the printer according to the present invention looking from the frontside.

FIG. 75 is a perspective view showing appearance of the first embodimentof the printer according to the present invention looking from the backside.

FIG. 76 is a sectional view schematically showing an internalarrangement of the first embodiment of the printer according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 77 is an exploded perspective view of a liquid crystal display unitfor exposure.

FIG. 78 is a block diagram showing an electric structure of the firstembodiment of the printer according to the present invention.

FIG. 79 is a block diagram of an operating frequency conversion circuit.

FIG. 80 is a graph useful for understanding an operating timing of aliquid crystal display unit for exposure.

FIG. 81 is a flowchart useful for understanding an operating sequence ofthe first embodiment of the printer according to the present invention.

FIG. 82 is a perspective view showing appearance of a second embodimentof a printer according to the present invention looking from the frontside.

FIG. 83 is a sectional view of the second embodiment of the printeraccording to the present invention.

FIG. 84 is a perspective view showing appearance of a third embodimentof a printer according to the present invention looking from the frontside.

FIG. 85 is a sectional view of the third embodiment of the printeraccording to the present invention.

FIG. 86 is a block diagram showing an electric structure of the thirdembodiment of the printer according to the present invention.

FIG. 87 is a perspective view showing appearance of a fourth embodimentof a printer according to the present invention in the state of nonuselooking from the front side.

FIG. 88 is a sectional view of the fourth embodiment of the printeraccording to the present invention in the state of nonuse.

FIG. 89 is a perspective view showing appearance of a fourth embodimentof a printer according to the present invention in the state of uselooking from the front side.

FIG. 90 is a sectional view of the fourth embodiment of the printeraccording to the present invention in the state of use.

FIG. 91 is a perspective view showing appearance of a fifth embodimentof a printer according to the present invention looking from the backside.

FIG. 92 is a sectional view of an observing optical system of the fifthembodiment of the printer according to the present invention.

FIG. 93 is a block diagram showing an electric structure of the fifthembodiment of the printer according to the present invention.

FIG. 94 is a sectional view of a printer in which a Galilean opticalsystem is used for a magnifying lens.

FIG. 95 is a sectional view of a printer in which a Galilean opticalsystem is used for a magnifying lens.

FIG. 96 is an exploded perspective view of a liquid crystal display unitaccording to alternative embodiment.

FIG. 97 is a sectional view of a sixth embodiment of a printer accordingto the present invention in a state of a print mode.

FIG. 98 is a perspective view showing appearance of the sixth embodimentof the printer according to the present invention looking from the frontside.

FIG. 99 is a perspective view showing appearance of the sixth embodimentof the printer according to the present invention looking from the backside.

FIG. 100 is a sectional view schematically showing an internalarrangement of the sixth embodiment of the printer according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 101 is a sectional view of the sixth embodiment of the printeraccording to the present invention in the state of an image observationmode.

FIG. 102 is an exploded perspective view of a liquid crystal displayunit.

FIG. 103 is a block diagram showing an electric structure of the sixthembodiment of the printer according to the present invention.

FIG. 104 is a graph useful for understanding an operating timing of aliquid crystal display unit for exposure.

FIG. 105 is a block diagram of an operating frequency conversioncircuit.

FIG. 106 is a flowchart useful for understanding an operating sequenceof the sixth embodiment of the printer according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 107 is a perspective view showing appearance of a seventhembodiment of a printer according to the present invention looking fromthe front side.

FIG. 108 is a sectional view of a seventh embodiment of a printeraccording to the present invention in the state of a print mode.

FIG. 109 is a sectional view of the seventh embodiment of the printeraccording to the present invention in the state of an image observationmode.

FIG. 110 is a block diagram showing an electric structure of the seventhembodiment of the printer according to the present invention.

FIG. 111 is a perspective view showing appearance of an eighthembodiment of a printer according to the present invention looking fromthe front side.

FIG. 112 is a sectional view of the eighth embodiment of the printeraccording to the present invention in the state of a print mode.

FIG. 113 is a sectional view of the eighth embodiment of the printeraccording to the present invention in the state of an image observationmode.

FIG. 114 is a block diagram showing an electric structure of the eighthembodiment of the printer according to the present invention.

FIG. 115 is a perspective view showing appearance of a ninth embodimentof a printer according to the present invention looking from the frontside.

FIG. 116 is a perspective view showing appearance of a ninth embodimentof a printer according to the present invention looking from the backside.

FIG. 117 is a sectional view of the ninth embodiment of the printeraccording to the present invention in the state of a print mode.

FIG. 118 is a sectional view of the ninth embodiment of the printeraccording to the present invention in the state of an image observationmode.

FIG. 119 is a sectional view of a printer in which a Galilean opticalsystem is used for a magnifying lens.

FIG. 120 is a sectional view of a printer in which a Galilean opticalsystem is used for a magnifying lens.

FIG. 121 is an exploded perspective view of a liquid crystal displayunit according to alternative embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Recently, instead of a TFT type liquid crystal plate consisting ofpixels which are classified into the three primary colors of R, G and B,there is put to practical use a liquid crystal display unit adopting ascheme in which a liquid crystal plate per se has no coloring matter,the whole pixels are used to form an image, and a color of the image isdetermined by a color of a back light (for example, “Kopin Corporation695 Myles Standish Blvd. Taunton, MA02780” a trademark SMARTSLIDE etc.).

The present invention has been made in view of the development of theabove-mentioned type of liquid crystal display unit.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference tothe accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing appearance of a first embodiment ofan image photography apparatus according to the present inventionlooking from the front side. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showingappearance of a first embodiment of an image photography apparatusaccording to the present invention looking from the back side. FIG. 3 isa view showing a main internal structure of the first embodiment of theimage photography apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 3shows a perspective diagram looking at the same angle as the perspectiveview of FIG. 2, wherein an outline is shown with a two-dot chain line.FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a circuit structure of the imagephotography apparatus shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3.

An image photography apparatus 100A can be used as a video (dynamicimage) photography apparatus and a still (still image) photographyapparatus as well through switching by a key operation.

In front of the image photography apparatus 100A, as shown in FIG. 1,there are disposed a pair of image taking lenses 101 a and 101 b, an AF(Auto Focus) light projecting window 102 a and an AF light receivingwindow 102 b for use in a measurement of a distance to a camera subject(not illustrated), an AE window 103 for use in a measurement of aluminance of a camera subject, an electronic flash emitter unit 104, andapertures 105 for picking up voice with an internal microphone.

In back of the image photography apparatus 100A, as shown in FIG. 2,there are disposed a loading opening 106 with which a portable recordingmedium 10 as shown in FIG. 3 (for example, a floppy disk, a CD-ROM, MD,a flash memory, MO, etc.) is to be loaded, and a liquid crystal display107. The liquid crystal display 107 is the conventional TFT type liquidcrystal display onto which an image of the camera subject is projectedwhile an image quality is not so good. In this case, on the liquidcrystal display 107, there may be displayed various types of informationsuch as residual time available for recording (in case of a videophotography), the number of frames of a film available for a photography(in case of a still photography), a degree of dissipation of a battery,etc.

Further, on the top of the image photography apparatus 100A, there aredisposed a shutter button 108, a power switch 109, a key input button110, an external connection terminal 111 and a video output terminal112.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3, inside the image photography apparatus100A, there are disposed AF and AE unit 113 for focusing and photometryin the internal portion of the AF light projecting window 102 a, the AFlight receiving window 102 b and the AE window 103, and a microphone 114in the internal portion of the apertures 105. In the back portions ofthe pair of image taking lenses 101 a, 101 b, there are disposed CCDimage receiving devices 115 a and 115 b for receiving images formedthrough the image taking lenses 101 a and 101 b, respectively. Stillfurthermore, inside the image photography apparatus 100A, there aredisposed circuit blocks 120 comprising various types of circuits foroperating the image photography apparatus 100A, and a battery 116. Whenthe power switch 109 turns on, an electric power is supplied from thebattery 116 to the circuit blocks 120 and the like. The battery 116 isexchangeable. The circuit blocks 120 comprise various types of circuitswhich will be described hereinafter in conjunction with FIG. 4.

The CCD image receiving devices 115 a and 115 b are driven by CCDdrivers 121 a and 121 b shown in FIG. 4 to generate image signalsassociated with images formed through the image taking lenses 101 a and101 b, respectively. The image signals generated in the CCD imagereceiving devices 115 a and 115 b are amplified by amplifiers 122 a and122 b, and then converted into digital image signals by A/D converters123 a and 123 b, respectively. The digital image signals thus convertedare fed to an image processing circuit 124. The image processing circuit124 performs for example, a gray level processing and a filteringprocessing. One of the image signals subjected to the image processingin the image processing circuit 124 is fed to a D/A converter 125 to beconverted into an analog signal. The analog signal thus converted isdisplayed on a liquid crystal display unit 107, or alternativelyoutputted via a buffer amplifier 126 from a video output terminal 112.The video output terminal 112 is connected, for example, to a videoterminal of a television (not illustrated) so that an image may bedisplayed on the television. Another of the image signals derived fromthe image processing circuit 124 is fed to a system controller 127 andthen a recording medium driving unit 128 so that image informationassociated with the image signal is stored in the recording medium 10.

As mentioned above, the image photography apparatus 100A is so arrangedthat a photographing mode is selectable between the video photographyand the still photography in accordance with a button operation of thekey input button 110. In the event that the video photography isperformed, a recording of image information onto the recording medium 10is continued while a shutter button 108 is depressed. In the event thatthe still photography is performed, whenever the shutter button 108 isdepressed, total two frames of image information as to right and leftframes of images obtained through the CCD image receiving devices 115 aand 115 b of right and left are recorded on the recording medium 10. Inthe event that the video photography is performed, in order to obtain adynamic image smooth in a movement, an image is received in the form ofthree-dimensional image at speed higher than 1/16 sec per frame (twoframes in a case where each of images obtained through the CCD imagereceiving devices 115 a and 115 b of right and left is counted as aframe of image) to be recorded on the recording medium 10.

In the event that image information is recorded onto the recordingmedium 10, it is acceptable that an audio signal picked up by themicrophone 114 is converted into a digital audio signal by an audioinput circuit 129, and then transmitted to the system controller 127 sothat the audio information is stored in the recording medium 10 togetherwith the image information.

As another transmission path of an image signal outputted from the imageprocessing circuit 124, there is a route in which the image signal istransmitted to the system controller 127, and then outputted from anexternal connection terminal 111 via an I/O port 130 to the exterior.The external connection terminal 111 is connected, for example, to apersonal computer (not illustrated) so that an image can be transmittedto the personal computer. This is a similar as to the matter of theaudio signal picked up by the microphone 114. That is, it is possible tooutput from the external connection terminal 111 the audio signaltogether with the image signal.

Further, it is possible to receive from the external connection terminal111 the audio signal and the image signal. Specifically, it is possibleto receive an image signal and an audio signal transmitted, for example,from the personal computer connected to the external connection terminal111, record the same on the recording medium 10 via the I/O port 130,the system controller 127 and the recording medium driving unit 128, andtransmit the associated image signal to the image processing circuit 124so that an image is displayed on the liquid crystal display 107 inaccordance with the image signal. A flow of the above-mentioned imagesignal and audio signal is controlled by the system controller 127 uponreceipt of an instruction through the button operation of the key inputbutton 110.

FIG. 5 is a perspective diagram view of a second embodiment of an imagephotography apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is ablock diagram of a circuit structure of the image photography apparatusshown in FIG. 5. Hereinafter, there will be described a different pointfrom the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4.

In back of the image photography apparatus 100B, as shown in FIG. 5,there are disposed two loading openings 106 with each of which theportable recording medium 10 as shown in FIG. 3 is to be loaded. On theloaded two recording media 10, there are recorded pieces of imageinformation associated with the image signals obtained by the CCD imagereceiving devices 115 a and 115 b, respectively. That is, imageinformation associated with the image signal related to the right eye isrecorded onto one of the recording media, and image informationassociated with the image signal related to the left eye is recordedonto another recording medium. This is a similar as to the matter ofimage signals received via the external connection terminal 111. Boththe image signal related to the right eye and the image signal relatedto the left eye are received, and pieces of image information as to theimage signal related to the right eye and the image signal related tothe left eye are separately recorded on the associated recording media,respectively.

With respect to the two recording media 10 to be loaded, they arestandardized in a recording format also among recording media onto whichimages are recorded in the photography apparatuses for the usual videoimage or the usual still image, other than the photography apparatus forthe three-dimensional image, such as the image photography apparatus100B as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, and thus it is possible to reproduceimages by loading the recording media onto which images are recordedthrough photograph by the image photography apparatus 100B onto theusual video reproducing apparatus or the usual still image reproducingapparatus.

FIG. 7 is a view showing a main internal structure of an imagereproducing apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 8 is asectional view taken along the line A-A of FIG. 7. In FIG. 7, theoutline of the cover member is depicted with a two-dot chain line. FIG.9 is a block diagram of a circuit structure of the image reproducingapparatus shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.

According to an image reproducing apparatus 200A, a belt 202 for fixingthe image reproducing apparatus 200A on the head of the human body ismounted on a cover member 201. The belt 202 is loaded on the head insuch a manner that a person looks through a pair of eyepiece windows 203a and 203 b.

On the cover member 201 of the image reproducing apparatus 200A, thereare disposed a recording medium loading chamber cover 204 for loading aportable recording medium 10 (for example, a floppy disk, a CD-ROM, anMD, a flash memory, an MO, etc.), an external connecting terminal 205, avideo output terminal 206, and a key input button 107. Inside the covermember 201, there are disposed a liquid crystal display unit 210, amagnifying lens 211, a half mirror 212, three reflecting mirrors 213,214 and 215, a pair of liquid crystal shutters 216 a and 216 b, abattery 217 and circuit blocks 220. The battery 217 is for supplyingpower to the circuit blocks 220, and is exchangeable. The circuit blocks220 comprise various circuits as shown in FIG. 9 which will be describedlater.

While the structure of the liquid crystal display unit 210 will bedescribed, the liquid crystal display unit 210 emits a beam of lightcarrying image information. The beam of light emitted from the liquidcrystal display unit 210 passes through the magnifying lens 211 and issplit by the half mirror 212. The beam reflected by the half mirror 212is reflected by the reflecting mirror 213 and reaches the eyepiecewindow 203 a passing through the liquid crystal shutter 216 a, andfinally be incident onto the right eye.

On the other hand, the beam transmitted through the half mirror 212 isreflected by the reflecting mirror 214 and then reflected by thereflecting mirror 215, and reaches the eyepiece window 203 b passingthrough the liquid crystal shutter 216 b, and finally be incident ontothe left eye.

According to the present embodiment, as to the right eye, an opticalpath is turned by the half mirror 212 and the reflecting mirror 213, andas to the left eye, an optical path is turned by the two reflectingmirrors 214 and 215. Thus, by forming the erect image on a liquidcrystal plate 2101 (cf. FIGS. 11 to 14), it is possible for an observerto observe the image in the form of erect image.

Next, there will be described a circuit structure shown in FIG. 9.

On the portable type of recording medium 10 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8,there is recorded image information representative of a color imageassociated with the both eyes. The image information is read in the formof electric image signal from the recording medium 10 by a recordingmedium driving unit 221. The image information read in the form ofelectric image signal is transmitted via a system controller 222 to animage processing circuit 223. The system controller 222 controls a flowof signals to be transmitted inside the image reproducing apparatus andan operating timing of the respective units of the image reproducingapparatus.

The image processing circuit 223 generates a synthetic image bysynthesizing and editing an image signal obtained from the recordingmedium 10 and image signals entered through several image input meanswhich will be described hereinafter.

A decoration data memory 224 stores therein beforehand image informationfor decorating an image, for example, image information as to varioustypes of characters and various types of patterns (templates). From thedecoration data memory 224, characters, templates and the like are readin the form of an electric image signal, and the electric image signalthus read is transmitted via the system controller 222 to the imageprocessing circuit 223.

The key input button 207, which is also shown in FIG. 7, is forinputting various types of instruction and data to the image reproducingapparatus through a button operation. The key input button 207 isconnected to the system controller 222 via an I/O port 225 for mediatingvarious types of data entered from the exterior. An operation of the keyinput button 207 determines entry of the image information. It ispossible to input through the key input button 207 a character messageand the like to be superimposed on an image. When a character message isinputted through the key input button 207, a signal representative ofthe character message is also inputted to the image processing circuit223, so that it is compounded as a part of an image. Here, it is assumedthat the signal representative of the character message is also includedin the image signal without distinction from other image signal.

The external connecting terminal 205 is a terminal for connecting to,for example, a personal computer, so that various types of instructionand images can be entered from the personal computer side. The externalconnecting terminal 205 is also connected via the I/O port 225 to thesystem controller 222. The image signal, which has been subjected tocomposition and edition in the image processing circuit 223 as the needarises, is converted into an analog image signal by a D/A converter 226,in one of the processes, and then outputted to the exterior via a bufferamplifier 227 and the video output terminal 206 which is shown in FIG.7, too. The video output terminal 206 may be connected with, forexample, a video terminal of a television, so that an image is displayedon a screen of the television. In this case, only image signal foreither one of the right eye use and the left eye use is outputted.

As another process for the image signal outputted from the imageprocessing circuit 223, there exists a path, which is inherent in thepresent invention, passing through an interface 228, wherein an image isformed on a liquid crystal plate 2101 (cf. FIG. 11 to FIG. 14) of theliquid crystal display unit 210 and a three-dimensional image isprovided for an observer who looks through the eyepiece windows. Theimage reproducing apparatus provides such a control that in a timingwherein an image for the left eye is formed on the liquid crystal plate2101, the liquid crystal shutter 216 b for the left eye is opened, whilethe liquid crystal shutter 216 a for the right eye is closed, and in atiming wherein an image for the right eye is formed on the liquidcrystal plate 2101, the liquid crystal shutter 216 a for the right eyeis opened, while the liquid crystal shutter 216 b for the left eye isclosed. Details will be described later.

According to the present embodiment, an image attitude correctioncircuit 230 is provided between the image processing circuit 223 and theinterface 228. The image attitude correction circuit 230 has a functionof converting an image signal transmitted from the signal processingcircuit 223 to an image signal representative of an image which isreversed in right and left, top and bottom.

It is noted, however, that the image attitude correction circuit 230 isshown in FIG. 9 for the purpose of an explanation of an alternativeembodiment which will be described later. According to the firstembodiment shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, when an erect image is formed on theliquid crystal plate, an image may be observed for an observer in theform of erect image. Thus, in case of the first embodiment shown inFIGS. 7 and 8, there is no need to provide the image attitude correctioncircuit 230.

FIG. 10 is a circuit block diagram of an internal structure of theinterface circuit 228.

The interface circuit 228 comprises an operating frequency conversioncircuit 2281, a display control circuit 2282 and a D/A converter 2283.Details will be described later.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of a liquid crystal display unit accordingto one embodiment. FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the liquidcrystal display unit according to one embodiment. It is noted that inFIG. 12 there is shown no cover member.

The liquid crystal display unit 210 comprises a transmissive matrixdrive-type liquid crystal plate 2101, a diffusing plate 2102, a lightamplifying plate 2103, and a circuit substrate 2104, which are arrangedin the named order inside a cover member 2105. A transparent protectioncover 2106 is fixed at the front of the liquid crystal plate 2101. Onthe circuit substrate 2104, there are mounted LED's 21041, 21042 and21043 which emit beams of light of red (R), green(G) and blue(B),respectively.

On the liquid crystal plate 2101, a number of pixels (for example,length 240 pixels×breadth 320 pixels=total 76,800 pixels) are arrangedon a two-dimensional basis. The crystal plate 2101 is not involved incolor elements red (R), green(G) and blue(B) per se. Temporarily, thewhole pixels of the liquid crystal plate 2101 are used to form oneimage. And, a beam of light, which transmits through the crystal plate2101 and the protection cover 1106 as well, according as any of threeLED's 21041, 21042 and 21043 is turned on, offers an image of theassociated color.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view of a liquid crystal display unit accordingto an alternative embodiment. FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view ofa liquid crystal display unit according to an alternative embodimentexcepting a cover member.

Inside a cover member 2105 in the front of which a transparentprotection cover 2106 is fixed, there are arranged a liquid crystalplate 2101 which is the same type of liquid crystal plate shown in theliquid crystal display unit shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, a diffusing plate2107, and a circuit substrate 2104 on which LED's 21041, 21042 and 21043for three colors R, G and R are mounted. The mounting positions of theLED's 21041, 21042 and 21043 on the circuit substrate 2104 are differentfrom those of the LED's on the circuit substrate of the liquid crystaldisplay unit shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. As shown in FIG. 14, the LED's21041, 21042 and 21043 are mounted on the upper edge of the circuitsubstrate 2104 in a direction to illuminate the diffusing plate 2107.

When any one of the LED's 21041, 21042 and 21043 turns on, the emittedlight is temporarily incident onto the diffusing plate 2107, and thenevenly diffused within the diffusing plate 2107 to irradiate the liquidcrystal plate 2101 from the back.

It is acceptable that the liquid crystal display unit 210 shown in FIGS.7, 8 and 9 in the form of a block has a structure as shown in FIGS. 13and 14.

FIG. 15 is a time chart for an example of a sequence for forming animage on the liquid crystal plate 2101 constituting the liquid crystaldisplay unit 210.

Part (A) of FIG. 15 shows a timing for an image formation on the liquidcrystal plate 2101, and parts (B) and (C) of FIG. 15 show, respectively,open and close timings of left eye use liquid crystal shutter 216 b andright eye use liquid crystal shutter 216 a. The display control circuit2102 of the interface circuit 210 shown in FIG. 10 performs an imageformation on the liquid crystal plate 2101. The system controller 222shown in FIG. 9 generates timing signals for open and close timing ofleft eye use liquid crystal shutter 216 a and right eye use liquidcrystal shutter 216 b.

Here, a color image as to each of left eye and right eye is separatedinto frame images, which are associated with colors of R, G and B,respectively, and as shown in FIG. 15, on a time division basis, on theliquid crystal plate 2101, first, a frame image associated with color ofR for the left eye is formed, secondly, a frame image associated withcolor of G for the left eye is formed, thirdly, a frame image associatedwith color of B for the left eye is formed, and then frame images forthe right eye are formed in a similar fashion to that of the left eye asmentioned above. Those processes are alternately repeated.

While FIG. 15 fails to illustrate it, regardless of the left eye use orthe right eye use, there is provided such a control that in synchronismwith the formation of the respective frame images onto the liquidcrystal plate, the LED 21041 for color R pulse-turns on in a timingwherein the frame image for R-association is formed, the LED 21042 forcolor G pulse-turns on in a timing wherein the frame image forG-association is formed, and the LED 21043 for color B pulse-turns on ina timing wherein the frame image for B-association is formed. Thus, theliquid crystal display unit 210 may sequentially emit light beams ofcolors R, G, B, R, G, . . . carrying image information on a timedivision basis.

On the other hand, with respect to the left eye use liquid crystalshutter 216 b and the right eye use liquid crystal shutter 216 a,regardless of any color of frame image of R, G, B, as shown in parts (B)and (C) of FIG. 15, there is provided such a control that in a timingthat a frame image for left eye is formed on the liquid crystal plate2101, the left eye use liquid crystal shutter 201 offers an open state(a state that the liquid crystal shutter is transmittable in light) andthe right eye use liquid crystal shutter 216 a offers a close state (astate that the liquid crystal shutter shuts off light), and in a similarfashion to that of the above, in a timing that a frame image for righteye is formed on the liquid crystal plate 2101, the right eye use liquidcrystal shutter 216 a offers an open state and the left eye use liquidcrystal shutter 216 b offers a close state.

Thus, images of colors R, G, B are sequentially incident onto the righteye and the left eye alternately, so that a color image is formed onboth the eyes of an observer owing to the after-image phenomenon.Further, since an image incident onto the left eye and an image incidentonto the right eye are independent of one another, preparation of onlyimages, which are different by the correspondence of parallax betweenthe right eye and left eye, makes it possible for the observer torecognize a three-dimensional color image.

Assuming that a total six frame images of three frame images of colorsR, G, B constituting a frame of color image for the left eye and threeframe images of colors R, G, B constituting a frame of color image forthe right eye are expressed in the form of one group, a period T (cf.FIG. 15) of time in which six frame images constituting the one groupare formed on the liquid crystal plate 2101 is set up to be not morethan 1/16 sec. The reason why this is to do so is that an establishmentof the longer period than 1/16 sec causes a person's eye to recognizeintermission of light and flicker, and thus in case of a dynamic image asmooth movement of the image is hindered.

The pulse width of each of the light emitting pulses of the LED's 21041,21042 and 21043 for colors R, G and R is shorter than a time t duringwhich each of the frame images for colors R, G and R is formed on theliquid crystal plate 2101. It is also preferable to use a furthershorter pulse width within a range permitted in view of for exampleluminance of an image arriving at a person's eye. This makes it possibleto reduce a power dissipation, and particularly, it is more preferablefor a stereographic projector which incorporates a battery therein.

FIG. 16 is a time chart for an alternative example of a sequence forforming an image on the liquid crystal plate 2101 constituting theliquid crystal display unit 210.

In a similar fashion to that of FIG. 15, part (A) of FIG. 16 shows atiming for an image formation on the liquid crystal plate 2101, andparts (B) and (C) of FIG. 16 show, respectively, open and close timingsof left eye use liquid crystal shutter 216 b and right eye use liquidcrystal shutter 216 a.

Here, subsequent to the formation of the frame image for R-associationfor the left eye, the frame image for R-association for the right eye isformed, then the frame image for G-association for the left eye, theframe image for G-association for the right eye, the frame image forB-association for the left eye, and the frame image for B-associationfor the right eye are formed on the liquid crystal plate 2101 in thenamed order. The liquid crystal shutters 216 a and 216 b alsoalternately open and close in synchronism with a formation of everyframe image.

It is acceptable that images are formed on the liquid crystal plate 2101in the sequence as shown in part (A) of FIG. 16, and the liquid crystalshutters 216 a and 216 b are controlled in open and close operations insynchronism with the image formation, as shown in parts (B) and (C) ofFIG. 16.

Incidentally, while the above explanation has been made supposing adynamic image, this is the similar as to the matter of the formation ofa still image. In case of the still image, only a frame of color imageexists on each of the right eye and the left eye. Such a frame of colorimage for each eye is separated into three frame images associated withR, G, B of colors, and total 6 frame images are recursively formed onthe liquid crystal plate 2101. This makes it possible to continuouslyprovide a three-dimensional still color image for an observer.

While the above explanation says that the formation of the frame imageand the turn-on and off of the LED's are performed in the order of R, G,B, R, G . . . , the order is not restricted to this order.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram of an operating frequency conversion circuit2281 constituting the interface circuit 228 shown in FIG. 10.

The operating frequency conversion circuit 2281 comprises two framememories 22811 and 22812, a control unit 22813, and four switch circuits22814, 22815, 22816 and 22817.

A digital image signal SGNL1 representative of a color image istransmitted from the image processing circuit 223 shown in FIG. 9 to theinterface circuit 228 in synchronism with a first operating frequency ofclock CLK1, so that the digital image signal SGNL1 is fed to theoperating frequency conversion circuit 2281 shown in FIG. 17. The imagesignal SGNL1 is alternately stored in the frame memories 2281 and 2282every frame in synchronism with the clock CLK1 in such a manner that acertain frame of image signal is stored in the frame memory 2281, thesubsequent frame of image signal is stored in the frame memory 2282, andthe further subsequent frame of image signal is stored in the framememory 2281. The control unit 22813 monitors the clock CLK1 and switchesthe two switches 22814 and 22815 on an interlocking basis whenever aframe of image signal SGNL1 has been stored in one of the framememories.

This is the similar as to the matter of reading out of image signalsfrom the frame memories 22811 and 22812. In this case, when a frame ofimage signal has been read out from one of the frame memories insynchronism with a second operating frequency of clock CLK2, the twoswitches 22816 and 22817 are switched so that an image signal is readout from another frame memory in synchronism with the clock CLK2.Switching of the switches 22816 and 22817 is performed by the controlunit 22813 which monitors the clock CLK2.

Here, the image signal read out in synchronism with the clock CLK2 isreferred to as an image signal SGNL2.

In the event that frequencies of the clocks CLK1 and CLK2 are equal toone another, for example, in such a situation that the image signalSGNL1 is already stored in the frame memory 22811 and the subsequentframe of image signal SGNL1 is stored in the frame memory 22812, it iseffective that the image signal SGNL2 is read out from the frame memory22811 while the an image signal is stored in the frame memory 22812, andthe read out of the image signal SGNL2 from the frame memory 22812 isstarted in a timing that the image signal SGNL1 has been completelystored in the frame memory 22812 and the subsequent frame of imagesignal SGNL1 is initiated in storage into the frame memory 22811.However, in the event that frequencies of the clocks CLK1 and CLK2 arenot equal to one another, it is difficult to expect the operation in theabove-mentioned timing. Accordingly, in such a case, a conversion fromthe image signal SGNL1 synchronized with the clock CLK1 to the imagesignal SGNL2 synchronized with the clock CLK2 is carried out by means ofperforming storage and read out of image signals in the manner set forthbelow.

In the event that the frequency of the clock CLK1 is higher than that ofthe clock CLK2, there may happen such a situation that even when itreaches a timing that a frame of image signal SGNL1 is stored in each ofthe frame memories 22811 and 22812 and the subsequent frame of imagesignal SGNL1 is to be transmitted, reading out for the frame memories22811 and 22812 is not yet completed. The control unit 22813 monitorsboth the clock CLK1 and the clock CLK2, so that such a situation can beidentified. Each of the two switches 22814 and 22815 has a neutral pointwhich is not connected to any of the two frame memories 22811 and 22812.When it reaches the above-mentioned situation, the control unit 22813switches the switches 22814 and 22815 to the neutral points,respectively, so as to provide such a control that the image signalSGNL1 is inhibited from being stored in any of the frame memories 22811and 22812, until either one of the frame memories 22811 and 22812 isvacant through completion of a read out operation. When either one ofthe frame memories 22811 and 22812 becomes vacant, the switches 22814and 22815 are switched to the side of the frame memory which becomesvacant, so that a storage operation to the vacant frame memory isinitiated from the top of the subsequent frame.

On the other hand, in the event that the frequency of the clock CLK2 ishigher than that of the clock CLK1, there may happen such a situationthat at the time when reading out of image signal from one of the framememories 22811 and 22812 is completed, a storage of image signal intoanother frame memory is not yet completed. This situation is detected bythe control unit 22813 which monitors both the clock CLK1 and the clockCLK2. When such a situation occurs, the control unit 22813 does notswitch the switches 22816 and 22817. That is, at the read out end, thesame frame of image signal is read out again from the same frame memory.At the time point that the same frame of image signal has beencompletely read out again from the same frame memory, if the subsequentframe of image signal SGNL1 has been completely stored in another framememory, the switches 22816 and 22817 are switched to read out the newframe of image signal.

In this manner, according to the operating frequency conversion circuit2281 of the interface circuit 228 shown in FIG. 10, the operatingfrequency is converted from the frequency of the clock CLK1 to thefrequency of the clock CLK2.

The image signal SGNL2, which has been subjected to the conversion ofthe operating frequency by the operating frequency conversion circuit2281, is fed to the display control circuit 2282 of the interfacecircuit 228 shown in FIG. 10. The display control circuit 2282 resolveseach frame of a color image into three frames of three primary colors ofR, G, B on each frame for the right and left eyes, and then sequentiallyoutputs the same.

The image signals each representative of a frame for each color, whichare sequentially outputted from the display control circuit 2282, areconverted into analog image signals by the D/A converter 2283 and thenfed to the liquid crystal plate 2101 (cf. FIGS. 11 to 14) of the liquidcrystal display unit 210. The display control circuit 2282 alsotransmits control signals for controlling turn-on and off of the LED's21041, 21042 and 21043 to the LED's 21041, 21042 and 21043 of the liquidcrystal display unit 210.

When these image signals and control signals are applied to the liquidcrystal display unit 210, the liquid crystal display unit 210 operatesin a way as described referring to FIG. 15 or FIG. 16.

It is acceptable that the recording medium 10 to be loaded onto theimage reproducing apparatus 200A shown in FIGS. 7 to 9 is a recordingmedium on which an image obtained by a photography using the imagephotography apparatus 100A explained referring to FIGS. 1 to 4 isrecorded. However, the recording medium 10 is not restricted to such arecording medium as mentioned above. It is acceptable that a photographyis performed using a stereographic photography apparatus of such a typethat an image utilizing parallax of the right and left is projected ontoa photographic film of a usual silver salt type, alternatively aphotography is performed using two usual cameras, and an image formed onthe silver salt type photographic film is read by a scanner and the liketo record image information on a recording medium, so that the recordingmedium thus obtained is loaded onto the image reproducing apparatus forreproduction of a three-dimensional image.

Further, it is acceptable that one of two recording media on whichimages are recorded by photography using the image photography apparatus100B adapted to load two recording media thereonto, as shown in FIGS. 5and 6, is loaded onto the image reproducing apparatus 200A shown inFIGS. 7 to 9 for reproduction of an image. But, in this case, athree-dimensional image is not reproduced, and the image reproducingapparatus shown in FIGS. 7 to 9 is controlled in such a manner that thesame image is provided for the right and left eyes. This is the similaras to the matter of a recording that an image is recorded on a recordingmedium through performing a photography using another image recordingapparatus, for example, a monocular video photography apparatus or stillphotography apparatus, alternatively an image is recorded on a recordingmedium through performing a photography using for example, a usualmonocular camera in which a silver salt type of photographic film isloaded for a photography. When the recording medium thus provided isloaded onto the image reproducing apparatus shown in FIGS. 7 to 9 toperform an image reproduction, the same image, but not athree-dimensional image, is provided for the right and left eyes.

Incidentally, this is the same as to the matter of the embodiments whichwill be described hereinafter.

FIG. 18 is a typical illustration showing a main internal structure of asecond embodiment of an image reproducing apparatus according to thepresent invention.

A different point of the image reproducing apparatus 200B shown in FIG.18 from the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 to 9 resides in the pointthat while the first embodiment is provided with the belt 202 formounting on the head, the embodiment shown in FIG. 18 are provided withmounting tools 231 for mounting by putting those on the ears likespectacles.

The image reproducing apparatus according to the present invention canbe miniaturized and weight-saved in such a degree that the imagereproducing apparatus can be mounted putting it on the ears.

FIG. 19 is a typical illustration showing a main internal structure of athird embodiment of an image reproducing apparatus according to thepresent invention. FIG. 20 shows a sectional view taken along the lineA-A of FIG. 19. Different points of the third embodiment from the firstembodiment shown in FIGS. 7 to 9 will be described hereinafter.

Here, instead of the magnifying lens 211 shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, a pairof Galilean magnifying lenses 232 a and 232 b having the same propertyare disposed at the right and the left.

Adoption of the Galilean magnifying lenses 232 a and 232 b makes itpossible to extend freedom of design and arrangement as compared withthe magnifying lens 211 of a magnifying glass type shown in FIGS. 7 to 9and also to provide greater magnifying ratio. Further, according to theuse of the Galilean magnifying lenses 232 a and 232 b, it is possible toobtain an erect image. Thus, also in the third embodiment, there is noneed to provide the image attitude correction circuit 230 shown in FIG.9.

With respect to other point, an image reproducing apparatus 200C shownin FIGS. 19 and 20 is different from the image reproducing apparatus200A shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 in an arrangement position of the circuitblocks 220. However, it relates to an alteration in layout caused byadoption of the Galilean magnifying lenses 232 a and 232 b, and such adifference is not essential.

FIG. 21 is a typical illustration showing a main internal structure of afourth embodiment of an image reproducing apparatus according to thepresent invention. FIG. 22 shows a sectional view taken along the lineA-A of FIG. 21. Different points of the fourth embodiment from the thirdembodiment shown in FIGS. 19 to 20 will be described hereinafter.

Here, instead of the Galilean magnifying lenses 232 a and 232 b shown inFIGS. 19 and 20, a pair of Keplerian magnifying lenses 233 a and 233 bis disposed. Adoption of the Keplerian magnifying lenses makes itpossible to extend freedom of design and arrangement, and as comparedwith adoption of the Galilean magnifying lenses, the same magnificationcan be attained with more compactness.

However, adoption of the Keplerian magnifying lenses involves a reverseimage. Thus, there is a need to provide the image attitude correctioncircuit 230 shown in FIG. 9 so that an image, which is reversed in topand bottom, and right and left, is formed on the liquid crystal plate2101 (cf. FIGS. 11 to 14). Thus, it is possible for an observer toobserve the image in the form of erect image. Incidentally, even in theevent that the Keplerian magnifying lenses is adopted, it is acceptablethat an erect image is provided for an observer by devising the opticalsystem without provision of the image attitude correction circuit 230.

FIG. 23 is a typical illustration showing a main internal structure of afifth embodiment of an image reproducing apparatus according to thepresent invention. FIG. 24 shows a sectional view taken along the lineA-A of FIG. 23. FIG. 25 is a block diagram of a circuit structure of theimage reproducing apparatus shown in FIGS. 23 and 24. Different pointsof the fifth embodiment from the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 to 9will be described hereinafter.

The image photography apparatus 100A shown in FIGS. 7 to 9 is providedwith the single liquid crystal display unit 210 onto which frame imagesfor right eye use and the left eye use are sequentially formed, and thetwo liquid crystal shutters 216 a and 216 b are used to distribute theimages to the right eye and the left eye on a time division basis. Onthe other hand, an image reproducing apparatus 200E shown in FIGS. 23 to25 is provided with two liquid crystal display units, that is, a liquidcrystal display unit 210 a for the right eye and a liquid crystaldisplay unit 210 b for the left eye.

Each of the liquid crystal display units 210 a and 210 b is the same asthe liquid crystal display unit 210 in the first embodiment shown inFIGS. 7 to 9 (cf. FIGS. 11-14).

In association with the use of two liquid crystal display units, theimage reproducing apparatus 200E shown in FIGS. 23 to 25 is providedwith two magnifying lenses, that is, a magnifying lens 211 a and amagnifying lens 211 b. And the half mirror 212, and the three reflectingmirrors 213, 214 and 215, which are provided on the image reproducingapparatus 200A shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, are removed since they areunnecessary. Further, the liquid crystal shutters 216 a and 216 b, whichare provided on the image reproducing apparatus 200A shown in FIGS. 7 to9, are also removed since they are unnecessary.

On the other hand, the image reproducing apparatus 200E shown in FIGS.23 to 25 is provided with two small speakers 230 a and 230 b, and anaudio output circuit 229 as shown in FIG. 25. That is, the imagereproducing apparatus 200E deals with an audio signal as well. Thus, forexample, the recording medium 10 is permitted to record audioinformation together with image information, and also it is permitted toreceive from the external output terminal 205 an image signal and anaudio signal as well.

An audio signal obtained by reading audio information from the recordingmedium 10, or an audio signal transmitted from, for example, a personalcomputer (not illustrated) through the external output terminal 205, istransmitted to the audio output circuit 229 in which the audio signal isconverted into an analog signal through a D/A conversion, and isdistributed to the speakers 230 a and 230 b of the right and the left sothat a stereo sound is generated.

It is noted that the image attitude correction circuit 230 is shown inFIG. 25 for the purpose of an explanation of an alternative embodimentwhich will be described later. According to the image reproducingapparatus 200E shown in FIGS. 23 to 24, when images are formed on theliquid crystal display units 210 a and 210 b, the images may be observedfor an observer in the form of erect image. Thus, in case of thisembodiment shown in FIGS. 23 to 25, there is no need to provide theimage attitude correction circuit 230.

FIG. 26 is a time chart useful for understanding timing of an imageformation onto the respective liquid crystal plates of two liquidcrystal display units 210 a and 210 b. Part (A) of FIG. 26 shows atiming for an image formation on a liquid crystal plate of a liquidcrystal display unit for the left eye use, and part (B) of FIG. 26 showsa timing for an image formation on a liquid crystal plate of a liquidcrystal display unit for the right eye use.

Color images for right and left are read from the recording medium 10.Each color image thus read out is separated into three frame images ofR, G, B of colors, and the R-association frame image, the G-associationframe image and the B-association frame image are sequentially formed onthe associated liquid crystal plate in the named order. These imageformations are performed simultaneously on the right and left liquidcrystal plates. The LED's, which constitute the liquid crystal displayunits of the right and left, sequentially pulse-turn on in the order ofR, G, B in synchronism with formations of the frame images on the liquidcrystal plates.

Assuming that three frame images of colors R, G, B constituting a frameof color image for the left eye or the right eye are expressed in theform of one group, a period T (cf. FIG. 26) of time in which three frameimages constituting the one group are formed on the liquid crystal plateis set up to be not more than 1/16 sec. That is, as it will beunderstood when compared with FIG. 15, it is effective that an image isrenewed at the half of the image renewal speed in the arrangement inwhich only one liquid crystal display unit is used to distribute imagesto the right and the left. And thus it is possible to reduce theoperating speed of the circuit by the correspondence and therebycontributing to the cost down, or alternatively, it is possible to forma dynamic image of more smooth movement when the operating speed for thecircuit is given with the same speed in the arrangement in which onlyone liquid crystal display unit is used.

The pulse width of each of the light emitting pulses of the LED's forcolors R, G and R is shorter than a time t during which each of theframe images for colors R, G and R is formed on the liquid crystalplate. Further, there is set up a further shorter pulse width within arange permitted in view of luminance of an image. This makes it possibleto reduce a power dissipation.

Incidentally, while the above explanation as to FIG. 26 has been madesupposing a dynamic image, this is the similar as to the matter of theformation of a still image. In case of the still image, only a frame ofcolor image exists on each of the right eye and the left eye. Such aframe of color image for each eye is separated into three frame imagesassociated with R, G, B of colors, and total 6 frame images arerecursively formed on the liquid crystal plates. This makes it possibleto continuously provide a three-dimensional still color image for anobserver.

FIG. 27 is a typical illustration showing a main internal structure of asixth embodiment of an image reproducing apparatus according to thepresent invention.

A different point of the image reproducing apparatus 200F shown in FIG.27 from the image reproducing apparatus E shown in FIGS. 23 and 24resides in the point that while the apparatus shown in FIGS. 23 and 24is provided with the belt 202 for mounting on the head, the apparatusshown in FIG. 27 is provided with mounting tools 231 for mounting byputting those on the ears like spectacles.

The image reproducing apparatus of type having two liquid crystaldisplay units can be also miniaturized and weight-saved in such a degreethat the image reproducing apparatus can be mounted putting it on theears.

FIG. 28 is a typical illustration showing a main internal structure of aseventh embodiment of an image reproducing apparatus according to thepresent invention. FIG. 29 shows a sectional view taken along the lineA-A of FIG. 28. Different points of the seventh embodiment from thefifth embodiment shown in FIGS. 23 and 24 will be described hereinafter.

Here, instead of the magnifying lenses 211 a and 211 b of the magnifyingglass type in the image reproducing apparatus E shown in FIGS. 23 and24, a pair of Galilean magnifying lenses 232 a and 232 b having the sameproperty are disposed at the right and the left.

As mentioned above, adoption of the Galilean magnifying lenses 232 a and232 b makes it possible to extend freedom of design and arrangement andalso to provide greater magnifying ratio. Further, according to the useof the Galilean magnifying lenses 232 a and 232 b, it is possible toobtain an erect image. Thus, also in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 28and 29, there is no need to provide the image attitude correctioncircuit 230 shown in FIG. 25.

FIG. 30 is a typical illustration showing a main internal structure ofan eighth embodiment of an image reproducing apparatus according to thepresent invention. FIG. 31 shows a sectional view taken along the lineA-A of FIG. 30. Different points of the eighth embodiment from theseventh embodiment shown in FIGS. 28 and 29 will be describedhereinafter.

Here, instead of the Galilean magnifying lenses 232 a and 232 b shown inFIGS. 28 and 29, a pair of Keplerian magnifying lenses 233 a and 233 bis disposed. Adoption of the Keplerian magnifying lenses makes itpossible to extend freedom of design and arrangement, and as comparedwith adoption of the Galilean magnifying lenses, the same magnificationcan be attained with more compactness. However, adoption of theKeplerian magnifying lenses involves a reverse image. Thus, there is aneed to provide the image attitude correction circuit 230 shown in FIG.25 so that images, which are reversed in top and bottom, and right andleft, are formed on the liquid crystal plates of the right and the left,respectively. Incidentally, even in the event that the Keplerianmagnifying lenses is adopted, it is acceptable that an erect image isprovided for an observer by devising the optical system withoutprovision of the image attitude correction circuit 230.

FIG. 32 is a typical illustration showing a main internal structure of aninth embodiment of an image reproducing apparatus according to thepresent invention. FIG. 33 shows a sectional view taken along the lineA-A of FIG. 32. FIG. 34 is a block diagram of a circuit structure of theimage reproducing apparatus shown in FIGS. 32 and 33. Different pointsof the ninth embodiment from the fifth embodiment shown in FIGS. 23 to25 will be described hereinafter.

An image reproducing apparatus 200I shown in FIGS. 32 to 34 is notprovided with an arrangement in which the recording medium 10 is loadedto read out therefrom image information so as to obtain an image signal.Instead the image reproducing apparatus 200I is provided with aninfrared sensor 234 for receiving infrared carrying image informationand a receiving circuit (cf. FIG. 34). That is, the image reproducingapparatus 200I is provided with an arrangement in which imageinformation transmitted in the form of infrared is picked up to generateimage signals, and images for the right and left eyes are formed on theliquid crystal display unit 210 a and 210 b for the right and left eyesin accordance with the image signals thus generated, respectively.

In this manner, there is no need to always provide an image reproducingapparatus of the present invention with an arrangement in which arecording medium is loaded.

The ninth embodiment is the same as the fifth embodiment shown in FIGS.23 to 25 but an arrangement that infrared is detected to obtain an imagesignal, instead of obtaining an image signal from the recording medium.

FIG. 35 is a typical illustration showing a main internal structure of atenth embodiment of an image reproducing apparatus according to thepresent invention. FIG. 36 shows a sectional view taken along the lineA-A of FIG. 35. FIG. 37 is a block diagram of a circuit structure of theimage reproducing apparatus shown in FIGS. 35 and 36. Different pointsof the tenth embodiment from the fifth embodiment shown in FIGS. 23 to25 will be described hereinafter.

An image reproducing apparatus 200J shown in FIGS. 35 to 37 is providedwith an arrangement that two recording media 10 are loaded and accessed.Specifically, as shown in FIG. 35, there are provided two recordingmedium loading chamber covers 204 a and 204 b. A recording medium driveunit 221 shown in FIG. 37 drives the loaded two recording media 10.

Further, the image reproducing apparatus 200J shown in FIGS. 35 to 37 isnot provided with a speaker. Instead the image reproducing apparatus200J is provided with an audio output terminal 236 for outputting anaudio signal to the exterior.

One of the loaded two recording media 10 stores therein color imageinformation for the right eye, and another recording medium 10 storestherein color image information for the left eye. These pieces of imageinformation are read out in the form of image signal by the recordingmedium drive unit 221 so that images for the right and left eyes areformed on the liquid crystal display unit 210 a for the right eye andthe liquid crystal display unit 210 b for the left eye, respectively.

Further, these recording media 10 stores therein audio information also.These pieces of audio information are read out in the form of audiosignal by the recording medium drive unit 221 and outputted from anaudio output terminal 236 to the exterior, so that the audio informationis generated in the form of large sound through an acoustic equipment(not illustrated) having a large speaker.

With respect to other portions, they are similar to that of the fifthembodiment shown in FIGS. 23 to 25.

FIG. 38 is a typical illustration showing a main internal structure ofan eleventh embodiment of an image reproducing apparatus according to ofthe present invention.

FIG. 39 shows a sectional view taken along the line A-A of FIG. 38.

The eleventh embodiment of an image reproducing apparatus has a singleliquid crystal display unit 210, similar to the first embodiment shownin FIGS. 7 to 9, wherein images are alternately applied to the right andleft eyes by two liquid crystal shutters 216 a and 216 b. Differentpoints of the eleventh embodiment from the first embodiment shown inFIGS. 7 to 8 will be described hereinafter.

An image reproducing apparatus 200K shown in FIGS. 38 to 39 is provided,in a similar fashion to that of the image reproducing apparatus 200Jshown in FIGS. 35 to 37, with an arrangement that two recording media 10are loaded and accessed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 38, there areprovided two recording medium loading chamber covers 204 a and 204 b.Images based on image signals obtained through reading out from therespective recording media are formed on the single liquid crystaldisplay unit 210 on a time sequence basis. Further, according to theeleventh embodiment, as shown in FIG. 38, there is provided an audiooutput terminal 236. Audio information recorded on the recording mediais read out in the form of audio signal, and outputted from the audiooutput terminal 236 to the exterior so that sound emanates from anexternal speaker (not illustrated).

Furthermore, according to the eleventh embodiment shown in FIGS. 38 and39, there is provided a pair of Galilean magnifying lenses 232 a and 232b.

As will be seen from the above, an image reproducing apparatus accordingto the present invention can be implemented by various combinations ofelements.

FIG. 40 is a perspective view showing appearance of an imagephotographic and reproducing apparatus according to an embodiment of thepresent invention looking from the front side. FIG. 41 is a perspectiveview showing appearance of an image photographic and reproducingapparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention lookingfrom the back side. FIG. 42 is a view showing a main internal structureof the image photographic and reproducing apparatus according to thepresent embodiment. FIG. 43 is a block diagram of a circuit structure ofthe image photography apparatus shown in FIGS. 40, 41 and 42.

An image photographic and reproducing apparatus 300 is similar to thecombination of the first embodiment of the image photography apparatusshown in FIGS. 1 to 4 and the first embodiment of the image reproducingapparatus shown in FIGS. 7 to 9. Hereinafter, there will be describedpoints different from such a simple combination.

Difference between the image photographic and reproducing apparatus 300shown in FIGS. 40 and 41 and the image photography apparatus 100A shownin FIGS. 1 and 2 in appearance resides in the points that the imagephotographic and reproducing apparatus 300 is provided with an antenna325, a telephone connection terminal 328, a pair of eyepiece windows 203a and 203 b, a pair of speakers 230 a and 230, a photographic modeselection button 301, and a reproducing mode selection button 302, andthat the liquid crystal display 107 of TFT type shown in FIG. 2 isomitted.

Further, circuit blocks 320 shown in FIG. 42 include both circuit blocksfor photography and circuit blocks for reproduction.

According to the circuit structure shown in FIG. 43, a recording mediumdrive unit 321 serves as both the recording medium drive unit 128 forstoring image information into the recording medium 10, as shown in FIG.4, and the recording medium drive unit 221 for reading out imageinformation from the recording medium 10 to obtain an image signal, asshown in FIG. 9. Likely, a system controller 322 serves as both thesystem controller 127 shown in FIG. 4 and the system controller 222shown in FIG. 9. And an image processing circuit 323 serves as both theimage processing circuit 124 shown in FIG. 4 and the image processingcircuit 223 shown in FIG. 9. The circuit structure shown in FIG. 43includes an audio input and output circuit 313. The audio input andoutput circuit 313 introduces to the inside an audio signal picked up bya microphone 114 or enables speakers 230 a and 230 b with audio signalstransmitted from the inside. Further, the circuit structure shown inFIG. 43 includes a transmit-receive circuit 326 for transmitting andreceiving radio waves representative of image and voice via an antenna325, and an ISDN transmit-receive circuit 327 for transmitting andreceiving signals representative of image and voice via a telephone line(not illustrated) connected to the telephone connection terminal 328.Thus, according to the image photographic and reproducing apparatus 300,it is possible to output an image obtained through the image taking lens101 a and 101 b via a radio wave or a telephone line to the exterior,and also upon receipt of a radio wave carrying image information and asignal carrying image information transmitted via a telephone line, itis possible to form an image on the liquid crystal display unit 210.

With respect to other arrangements, they are the same as thecombinations of the first embodiment of the image photography apparatusshown in FIGS. 1 to 3 and the first embodiment of the image reproducingapparatus shown in FIGS. 7 to 9. Redundant description will be omitted.

Incidentally, with respect to the image photographic and reproducingapparatus, only one embodiment is shown as described above. It is noted,however, that various embodiments of the image photographic andreproducing apparatus can be considered by the combination of anoptional embodiment of the image photography apparatus of the presentinvention and an optional embodiment of the image reproducing apparatusof the present invention.

In the above embodiment of the image photographic and reproducingapparatus, the image photographic and reproducing apparatus is formed ina united body of the image photography apparatus and the imagereproducing apparatus of the present invention. It is acceptable,however, to provide a system in which the image photography apparatusand the image reproducing apparatus are separated in a pair.

FIG. 44 is a typical illustration showing a main internal structure of astereographic projector according to a first embodiment of the presentinvention. FIG. 45 shows a sectional view taken along the line A-A ofFIG. 44. In FIG. 44, an outline of a cover member is shown with atwo-dot chain line.

On a cover member 3101 of a stereographic projector 3100A, there aredisposed or connected a recording medium loading chamber cover 3102 forloading a portable recording medium 3010 (for example, a floppy disk, aCD-ROM, an MD, a flash memory, an MO, etc.), a power source plug 3103for connecting with a commercial power source, an external connectingterminal 3104, a video output terminal 3105, a liquid crystal shutteroutput terminal 3106 and a key input button 3107. Inside the covermember 3101, there are disposed a liquid crystal display unit 3110, aprojection lens unit 3111 and circuit blocks 3120. The circuit blocks3120 comprise various circuits as shown in FIG. 48 which will bedescribed later.

The liquid crystal display unit 3110 emits light carrying imageinformation. The light emitted from the liquid crystal display unit 3110emanates via the projection lens unit 3111 outside the cover member3101, so that an expanded image is projected onto a screen such as awall of a room for example, not illustrated. In order to project animage focused onto the screen, the projection lens unit 3111 is slidablymovable in arrow z-z directions. A focusing control is performed throughmoving the projection lens unit 3111 in arrow z-z directions.

FIG. 46 is a typical perspective view of a first embodiment of a jig foran image stereoscopic vision which is used when an image projected ontoa screen is observed. FIG. 47 is a perspective view of a distributorwhich is used when an image projected onto a screen is simultaneouslyobserved by a plurality of persons.

An image stereoscopic vision jig 3200A has an arrangement in which in asimilar fashion to that of grasses, it is loaded through putting it onan observer's nose and ears.

The image stereoscopic vision jig 3200A is provided with a left eye useliquid crystal shutter 3201 and a right eye use liquid crystal shutter3202, which are disposed before the left eye and the right eye of theobserver when it is loaded. Connected to the image stereoscopic visionjig 3200A is a code 3204 having at the end a plug 3203 which is to beconnected to the liquid crystal shutter output terminal 3106 of thestereographic projector 3100A shown in FIGS. 44 and 45.

A distributor 3210 shown in FIG. 44 distributes a signal entered from aplug 3213 of the distributor 3210 to a plurality of terminals 3211. Whena plurality of observers simultaneously observe an image on a screen,each observer loads the image stereoscopic vision jig 3200A shown inFIG. 46. Whereas the plug 3213 of the distributor 3210 shown in FIG. 47is connected to the stereographic projector 3100A shown in FIGS. 44 and45, and the plug 3203 of the image stereoscopic vision jig 3200A loadedon each observer is inserted into the associated terminal 3211 of thedistributor 3210.

FIG. 48 is a block diagram of a circuit structure of the stereographicprojector shown in FIGS. 44 and 45 and the jig for an image stereoscopicvision shown in FIG. 46.

On the portable recording medium 3010, there is recorded imageinformation representative of color images associated with right andleft eyes. A recording medium drive unit 3121 reads from the recordingmedium 3010 the image information in the form of an electric imagesignal. The electric image signal thus read is transmitted via a systemcontroller 3122 to an image processing circuit 3123. The systemcontroller 3122 controls a flow of signals to be transmitted inside thestereographic projector 3100A and an operational timing of therespective sections of the stereographic projector 3100A, and serves asa timing signal generating circuit referred to in the present invention,too.

The image processing circuit 3123 produces a composite image throughcomposing and editing image signals obtained from the recording medium3010 and image signals entered through several image input means whichwill be described later.

A decoration data memory 3124 previously stores therein imageinformation for decorating an image, for example, image information forvarious characters and various patterns (templates). From the decorationdata memory 3124, characters, templates and the like are read in theform of an electric image signal, and the electric image signal thusread is transmitted via the system controller 3122 to the imageprocessing circuit 3123.

The key input button 3107, which is also shown in FIG. 44, is forinputting various types of instruction and data to the stereographicprojector 3100A through button operation. The key input button 3107 isconnected to the system controller 3122 via an I/O port 3125 formediating various types of data entered from the exterior. An operationof the key input button 3107 determines entry of the image information.It is possible to input through the key input button 3107 a charactermessage and the like to be superimposed on an image. When a charactermessage is inputted through the key input button 3107, a signalrepresentative of the character message is also inputted to the imageprocessing circuit 3123, so that it is compounded as a part of an image.Here, it is assumed that the signal representative of the charactermessage is also included in the image signal without distinction fromother image signal.

The external connecting terminal 3104 is a terminal for connecting to,for example, a personal computer, so that various types of instructionand images can be entered from the personal computer side. The externalconnecting terminal 3104 is also connected via the I/O port 3125 to thesystem controller 3122. The image signal, which has been subjected tocomposition and edition in the image processing circuit 3123 as the needarises, is converted into an analog image signal by a D/A converter3126, in one of the processes, and then outputted to the exterior via abuffer amplifier 3127 and the video output terminal 3105 which is shownin FIGS. 44 and 45, too. The video output terminal 3105 may be connectedwith, for example, a video terminal of a television, so that an image isdisplayed on a screen of the television.

As another process for the image signal outputted from the imageprocessing circuit 3123, there exists a path, which is inherent in thepresent invention, passing through an image attitude correction circuit3128 and an interface circuit 3129, wherein an image is formed on aliquid crystal plate 1101 (cf. FIG. 50 to FIG. 53) of the liquid crystaldisplay unit 3110 and a three-dimensional image is provided for anobserver putting on the jig for image stereoscopic version as shown inFIG. 46. The system controller 3122 generates a timing signal forswitching liquid crystal shutters 3201 and 3202 provided on the imagestereoscopic vision jig 3200A in synchronism with a timing in which animage is formed on the liquid crystal display unit 3110. The timingsignal thus generated is transferred via a liquid crystal shutter outputterminal 3106 to the image stereoscopic vision jig 3200A. upon receiptof the timing signal, the image stereoscopic vision jig 3200A providessuch a control that in a timing wherein an image for the left eye isformed on the liquid crystal plate 1101, the liquid crystal shutter 3201for the left eye is opened, while the liquid crystal shutter 3202 forthe right eye is closed, and in a timing wherein an image for the righteye is formed on the liquid crystal plate 1101, the liquid crystalshutter 3202 for the right eye is opened, while the liquid crystalshutter 3201 for the left eye is closed. Details will be describedlater.

According to the first embodiment of the present invention, the imageattitude correction circuit 3128 has a function of converting an imagesignal transmitted from the signal processing circuit 3123 to an imagesignal representative of an image which is reversed in top and bottom.

When an image, which is formed on the liquid crystal plate 1101 (cf.FIG. 50 to FIG. 53) of the liquid crystal display unit 3110, isprojected onto a screen, for example, a wall of a room, using thestereographic projector 3100A shown in FIG. 44 and FIG. 45, then animage, which is reversed as compared with the image formed on the liquidcrystal plate, is projected onto the screen by the effect of theprojection lens unit 3111.

For this reason, in order to form on the liquid crystal plate an imagewhich is reversed in top and bottom, the image attitude correctioncircuit 3128 shown in FIG. 48 is used to convert an image signaltransmitted from the signal processing circuit 3123 to an image signalrepresentative of an image which is reversed in top and bottom. Thus, itis possible to provide an erect image for an observer who observes animage projected onto the screen.

FIG. 49 is a circuit block diagram of an internal structure of theinterface circuit 3129.

The interface circuit 3129 comprises an operating frequency conversioncircuit 1291, a display control circuit 1292 and a D/A converter 1293.Details will be described later.

FIG. 50 is a sectional view of a liquid crystal display unit accordingto one embodiment. FIG. 51 is an exploded perspective view of the liquidcrystal display unit according to one embodiment. It is noted that inFIG. 51 there is shown no cover member.

The liquid crystal display unit 3110 comprises a transmissive matrixdrive-type liquid crystal plate 1101, a diffusing plate 1102, a lightquantity increasing plate 1103, and a circuit substrate 1104, which arearranged in the named order inside a cover member 1105. A transparentprotection cover 1106 is fixed at the front of the crystal plate 1101.On the circuit substrate 1104, there are mounted LED's 11041, 11042 and11043 which emit light of red (R), green(G) and blue(B), respectively.

On the liquid crystal plate 1101, a number of pixels (for example,length 240 pixels×breadth 320 pixels=total 76,800 pixels) are arrangedon a two-dimensional basis. The crystal plate 1101 is not involved incolor elements red (R), green(G) and blue(B) per se. Temporarily, thewhole pixels of the liquid crystal plate 1101 are used to form oneimage. And, a light, which transmits through the crystal plate 1101 andthe protection cover 1106 as well, according as any of three LED's11041, 11042 and 11043 is turned on, offers an image of the associatedcolor.

FIG. 52 is a sectional view of a liquid crystal display unit accordingto an alternative embodiment. FIG. 53 is an exploded perspective view ofa liquid crystal display unit according to an alternative embodimentexcepting a cover member.

Inside a cover member 1105 in the front of which a transparentprotection cover 1106 is fixed, there are arranged a liquid crystalplate 1101 which is the same type of liquid crystal plate shown in theliquid crystal display unit shown in FIGS. 50 and 51, a diffusing plate1107, and a circuit substrate 1104 on which LED's 11041, 11042 and 11043for three colors R, G and R are mounted. The mounting positions of theLED's 11041, 11042 and 11043 on the circuit substrate 1104 are differentfrom those of the LED's on the circuit substrate of the liquid crystaldisplay unit shown in FIGS. 50 and 51. As shown in FIG. 53, the LED's11041, 11042 and 11043 are mounted on the upper edge of the circuitsubstrate 1104 in a direction to illuminate the diffusing plate 1107.

When any one of the LED's 11041, 11042 and 11043 turns on, the emittedlight is temporarily incident onto the diffusing plate 1107, and thenevenly diffused within the diffusing plate 1107 to irradiate the liquidcrystal plate 1101 from the back.

It is acceptable that the liquid crystal display unit 3110 shown inFIGS. 44, 45, 48 and 49 in the form of a block has a structure as shownin FIGS. 52 and 53.

Here, as the light source, the LED is exemplarily shown. However, thelight source is not restricted to the LED, and it is acceptable to use alight source capable of obtaining a large quantity of emitting light.

FIG. 54 is a time chart for an example of a sequence for forming animage on the liquid crystal plate 1101 constituting the liquid crystaldisplay unit 3110.

Part (A) of FIG. 54 shows a timing for an image formation on the liquidcrystal plate 1101, and parts (B) and (C) of FIG. 54 show, respectively,timing signals for open and close timing of left eye use liquid crystalshutter 3201 and right eye use liquid crystal shutter 3202 which areprovided on the image stereoscopic vision jig 3200A. The display controlcircuit 1292 of the interface circuit 3129 shown in FIG. 49 performs animage formation on the liquid crystal plate 1101. The system controller3122 shown in FIG. 48 generates the timing signals for open and closetiming of left eye use liquid crystal shutter 3201 and right eye useliquid crystal shutter 3202.

Here, a color image as to each of left eye and right eye is separatedinto frame images, which are associated with colors of R, G and B,respectively, and as shown in FIG. 54, on a time division basis, on theliquid crystal plate 1101, first, a frame image associated with color ofR for the left eye is formed, secondly, a frame image associated withcolor of G for the left eye is formed, thirdly, a frame image associatedwith color of B for the left eye is formed, and then frame images forthe right eye are formed in a similar fashion to that of the left eye asmentioned above. Those processes are alternately repeated.

While FIG. 54 fails to illustrate it, regardless of the left eye use orthe right eye use, there is provided such a control that in synchronismwith the formation of the respective frame images onto the liquidcrystal plate, the LED 11041 for color R pulse-turns on in a timingwherein the frame image for R-association is formed, the LED 11042 forcolor G pulse-turns on in a timing wherein the frame image forG-association is formed, and the LED 11043 for color B pulse-turns on ina timing wherein the frame image for B-association is formed. Thus, theliquid crystal display unit 3110 may sequentially emit light beams ofcolors R, G, B, R, G, . . . carrying image information on a timedivision basis.

On the other hand, with respect to the left eye use liquid crystalshutter 3201 and the right eye use liquid crystal shutter 3202,regardless of any color of frame image of R, G, B, as shown in parts (B)and (C) of FIG. 441, there is provided such a control that in a timingthat a frame image for left eye is formed on the liquid crystal plate1101, the left eye use liquid crystal shutter 3201 offers an open state(a state that the liquid crystal shutter is transmittable in light) andthe right eye use liquid crystal shutter 3202 offers a close state (astate that the liquid crystal shutter shuts off light), and in a similarfashion to that of the above, in a timing that a frame image for righteye is formed on the liquid crystal plate 1101, the right eye use liquidcrystal shutter 3202 offers an open state and the left eye use liquidcrystal shutter 3201 offers a close state.

Thus, images of colors R, G, B are sequentially incident onto the righteye and the left eye alternately, so that a color image is formed onboth the eyes of an observer owing to the after-image phenomenon.Further, since an image incident onto the left eye and an image incidentonto the right eye are independent of one another, preparation of onlyimages, which are different by the correspondence of parallax betweenthe right eye and left eye, makes it possible for the observer torecognize a three-dimensional color image.

Assuming that a total six frame images of three frame images of colorsR, G, B constituting a frame of color image for the left eye and threeframe images of colors R, G, B constituting a frame of color image forthe right eye are expressed in the form of one group, a period T (cf.FIG. 54) of time in which six frame images constituting the one groupare formed on the liquid crystal plate 1101 is set up to be not morethan 1/16 sec. The reason why this is to do so is that an establishmentof the longer period than 1/16 sec causes a person's eye to recognizeintermission of light and flicker, and thus in case of a dynamic image asmooth movement of the image is hindered.

The pulse width of each of the light emitting pulses of the LED's 11041,11042 and 11043 for colors R, G and R is shorter than a time t duringwhich each of the frame images for colors R, G and R is formed on theliquid crystal plate 1101. It is also preferable to use a furthershorter pulse width within a range permitted in view of for exampleluminance of an image arriving at a person's eye. This makes it possibleto reduce a power dissipation, and particularly, it is more preferablefor a stereographic projector which incorporates a battery therein.

FIG. 55 is a time chart for another example of a sequence for forming animage on the liquid crystal plate 1101 constituting the liquid crystaldisplay unit 3110.

In a similar fashion to that of FIG. 54, part (A) of FIG. 55 shows atiming for an image formation on the liquid crystal plate 1101, andparts (B) and (C) of FIG. 55 show, respectively, open and close timingsof left eye use liquid crystal shutter 3201 and right eye use liquidcrystal shutter 3202.

Here, subsequent to the formation of the frame image for R-associationfor the left eye, the frame image for R-association for the right eye isformed, then the frame image for G-association for the left eye, theframe image for G-association for the right eye, the frame image forB-association for the left eye, and the frame image for B-associationfor the right eye are formed on the liquid crystal plate 1101 in thenamed order. The liquid crystal shutters 3201 and 3202 also alternatelyopen and close in synchronism with a formation of every frame image.

It is acceptable that images are formed on the liquid crystal plate 1101in the sequence as shown in part (A) of FIG. 55, and the liquid crystalshutters 3201 and 3202 are controlled in open and close operations insynchronism with the image formation, as shown in parts (B) and (C) ofFIG. 55.

Incidentally, while the above explanation has been made supposing adynamic image, this is the similar as to the matter of the formation ofa still image. In case of the still image, only a frame of color imageexists on each of the right eye and the left eye. Such a frame of colorimage for each eye is separated into three frame images associated withR, G, B of colors, and total 6 frame images are recursively formed onthe liquid crystal plate 2101. This makes it possible to continuouslyprovide a three-dimensional still color image for an observer.

While the above explanation says that the formation of the frame imageand the turn-on and off of the LED's are performed in the order of R, G,B, R, G . . . , the order is not restricted to this order.

According to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 44 and 45, the timing signalfor controlling the open and close of the liquid crystal shutter 3201for the left eye and the timing signal for controlling the open andclose of the liquid crystal shutter 3202 for the right eye are shown asindividual signals. It is acceptable, however, that one of the two kindsof signal is fed to the image stereoscopic vision jig 3200A so that openand close operations of both the liquid crystal shutter 3201 for theleft eye and the liquid crystal shutter 3202 for the right eye arecontrolled in accordance with the fed one signal.

FIG. 56 is a block diagram of an operating frequency conversion circuit1291 constituting the interface circuit 3129 shown in FIG. 49.

The operating frequency conversion circuit 3129 comprises two framememories 12911 and 12912, a control unit 12913, and four switch circuits12914, 12915, 12916 and 12917.

A digital image signal SGNL1 representative of a color image istransmitted from the image processing circuit 3123 shown in FIG. 48 tothe interface circuit 3129 in synchronism with a first operatingfrequency of clock CLK1, so that the digital image signal SGNL1 is fedto the operating frequency conversion circuit 1291 shown in FIG. 49. Theimage signal SGNL1 is alternately stored in the frame memories 12911 and12912 every frame in synchronism with the clock CLK1 in such a mannerthat a certain frame of image signal is stored in the frame memory12911, the subsequent frame of image signal is stored in the framememory 12912, and the further subsequent frame of image signal is storedin the frame memory 12911. The control unit 12913 monitors the clockCLK1 and switches the two switches 12914 and 12915 on an interlockingbasis whenever a frame of image signal SGNL1 has been stored in one ofthe frame memories.

This is the similar as to the matter of reading out of image signalsfrom the frame memories 12911 and 12912. In this case, when a frame ofimage signal has been read out from one of the frame memories insynchronism with a second operating frequency of clock CLK2, the twoswitches 12916 and 12917 are switched so that an image signal is readout from another frame memory in synchronism with the clock CLK2.Switching of the switches 12916 and 12917 is performed by the controlunit 12913 which monitors the clock CLK2.

Here, the image signal read out in synchronism with the clock CLK2 isreferred to as an image signal SGNL2.

In the event that frequencies of the clocks CLK1 and CLK2 are equal toone another, for example, in such a situation that the image signalSGNL1 is already stored in the frame memory 12911 and the subsequentframe of image signal SGNL1 is stored in the frame memory 12912, it iseffective that the image signal SGNL2 is read out from the frame memory12911 while the an image signal is stored in the frame memory 12912, andthe read out of the image signal SGNL2 from the frame memory 12912 isstarted in a timing that the image signal SGNL1 has been completelystored in the frame memory 12912 and the subsequent frame of imagesignal SGNL1 is initiated in storage into the frame memory 12911.However, in the event that frequencies of the clocks CLK1 and CLK2 arenot equal to one another, it is difficult to expect the operation in theabove-mentioned timing. Accordingly, in such a case, a conversion fromthe image signal SGNL1 synchronized with the clock CLK1 to the imagesignal SGNL2 synchronized with the clock CLK2 is carried out by means ofperforming storage and read out of image signals in the manner set forthbelow.

In the event that the frequency of the clock CLK1 is higher than that ofthe clock CLK2, there may happen such a situation that even when itreaches a timing that a frame of image signal SGNL1 is stored in each ofthe frame memories 12911 and 12912 and the subsequent frame of imagesignal SGNL1 is to be transmitted, reading out for the frame memories12911 and 12912 is not yet completed. The control unit 12913 monitorsboth the clock CLK1 and the clock CLK2, so that such a situation can beidentified. Each of the two switches 12914 and 12915 has a neutral pointwhich is not connected to any of the two frame memories 12911 and 12912.When it reaches the above-mentioned situation, the control unit 12913switches the switches 12914 and 12915 to the neutral points,respectively, so as to provide such a control that the image signalSGNL1 is inhibited from being stored in any of the frame memories 12911and 12912, until either one of the frame memories 12911 and 12912 isvacant through completion of a read out operation. When either one ofthe frame memories 12911 and 12912 becomes vacant, the switches 12914and 12915 are switched to the side of the frame memory which becomesvacant, so that a storage operation to the vacant frame memory isinitiated from the top of the subsequent frame.

On the other hand, in the event that the frequency of the clock CLK2 ishigher than that of the clock CLK1, there may happen such a situationthat at the time when reading out of image signal from one of the framememories 12911 and 12912 is completed, a storage of image signal intoanother frame memory is not yet completed. This situation is detected bythe control unit 12913 which monitors both the clock CLK1 and the clockCLK2. When such a situation occurs, the control unit 12913 does notswitch the switches 12916 and 12917. That is, at the read out end, thesame frame of image signal is read out again from the same frame memory.At the time point that the same frame of image signal has beencompletely read out again from the same frame memory, if the subsequentframe of image signal SGNL1 has been completely stored in another framememory, the switches 12916 and 12917 are switched to read out the newframe of image signal.

In this manner, according to the operating frequency conversion circuit1291 of the interface circuit 3129 shown in FIG. 49, the operatingfrequency is converted from the frequency of the clock CLK1 to thefrequency of the clock CLK2.

The image signal SGNL2, which has been subjected to the conversion ofthe operating frequency by the operating frequency conversion circuit291, is fed to the display control circuit 1292 of the interface circuit3129 shown in FIG. 49. The display control circuit 1292 resolves eachframe of a color image into three frames of three primary colors of R,G, B on each frame for the right and left eyes, and then sequentiallyoutputs the same.

The image signals each representative of a frame for each color, whichare sequentially outputted from the display control circuit 1292, areconverted into analog image signals by the D/A converter 1293 and thenfed to the liquid crystal plate 1101 (cf. FIGS. 11 to 14) of the liquidcrystal display unit 3110. The display control circuit 1292 alsotransmits control signals for controlling turn-on and off of the LED's11041, 11042 and 11043 to the LED's 11041, 11042 and 11043 of the liquidcrystal display unit 3110. When these image signals and control signalsare applied to the liquid crystal display unit 3110, the liquid crystaldisplay unit 3110 operates in a way as described referring to FIG. 54 orFIG. 55.

It is acceptable that the recording medium 3010 to be loaded onto thestereographic projector 3100A shown in FIGS. 44, 45 and 48 is arecording medium on which an image obtained by a photography using adedicated stereographic photography apparatus (not illustrated) isrecorded. However, the recording medium 3010 is not restricted to such arecording medium as mentioned above. It is acceptable that a photographyis performed using a stereographic photography apparatus of such a typethat an image utilizing parallax of the right and left is projected ontoa photographic film of a usual silver salt type, alternatively aphotography is performed using two usual cameras, and an image formed onthe silver salt type photographic film is read by a scanner and the liketo record image information on a recording medium, so that the recordingmedium thus obtained is loaded onto the image reproducing apparatus forreproduction of a three-dimensional image.

Further, it is acceptable that an image is recorded on a recordingmedium through performing a photography using for example, a monocularvideo photography apparatus or still photography apparatus,alternatively an image is recorded on a recording medium throughperforming a photography using for example, a usual monocular camera inwhich a silver salt type of photographic film is loaded for aphotography. When the recording medium thus provided is loaded onto thestereographic projector 3100A shown in FIGS. 44 and 45 to perform animage reproduction. In this case, however, a three-dimensional image isnot reproduced. Thus, in the stereographic projector 3100A shown inFIGS. 44, 45 and 48, there is provided such a control that the sameimage is provided for the right and left eyes, even in the event imagestereoscopic vision jig 3200A shown in FIG. 46 is mounted.

In the above-mentioned embodiments, the image stereoscopic vision jig3200A is explained as it is different from the stereographic projector3100A. It is acceptable to address their combination as a stereographicprojector. In this case, it is acceptable to directly couple the imagestereoscopic vision jig 3200A with the stereographic projector 3100A bythe code 3204 without providing the plug 3203 on the image stereoscopicvision jig 3200A. Further, instead of such a type of image stereoscopicvision jig that it is mounted on an observer as shown in FIG. 46, it isacceptable to provide an installed type of one through which an observerlooks to observe a screen.

These points are the similar as to the matter of various embodimentsrelated to the stereographic projector and the image stereoscopic visionjig according to the present invention, which will be describedhereinafter.

FIG. 57 is a typical illustration showing a main internal structure of asecond embodiment of a stereographic projector according to the presentinvention. FIG. 58 shows a sectional view taken along the line A-A ofFIG. 57. FIG. 59 is a block diagram of a circuit structure of thestereographic projector shown in FIGS. 57 and 58. Different points ofthe second embodiment of the stereographic projector according to thepresent invention will be described hereinafter.

The stereographic projector 3100B shown in FIGS. 57 to 59 is providedwith an arrangement that two recording media 10 are loaded and accessed.Specifically, as shown in FIG. 57, there are provided two recordingmedium loading chamber covers 3102 a and 3102 b. A recording mediumdrive unit 3121 shown in FIG. 59 drives the loaded two recording media3010.

One of the loaded two recording media 3010 stores therein color imageinformation for the right eye, and another recording medium 3010 storestherein color image information for the left eye. These pieces of imageinformation are read out in the form of image signal by the recordingmedium drive unit 3121.

A liquid crystal display unit forms on a time sequence basis imagesseparated from color images represented by image signals obtainedthrough reading out from the two recording media 3010 (cf. FIGS. 54 and55).

In this manner, the use of the two recording media 3010 makes itpossible to reproduce a three-dimensional image in such a manner thattwo cameras of a monocular video photography apparatus and a stillphotography apparatus are used to take a photograph while the twocameras are spaced from one another by the distance corresponding to aparallax of human eyes, each of the obtained images is recorded on theassociated recording medium, and the two recording media are loaded ontothe stereographic projector 3100B shown in FIGS. 57 to 59 forreproduction of a three-dimensional image. That is, the recording formatof the recording media 3010 to be loaded onto the stereographicprojector 3100B shown in FIGS. 57 to 59 and the recording format of therecording media to be loaded onto the usual monocular video photographyapparatus and still photography apparatus are provided on a commonbasis, and such two cameras of a monocular video photography apparatusand a still photography apparatus are used to take a photograph withoutusing any especial equipment, so that a three-dimensional image can bereproduced using two recording media which record thereon imagesobtained through the photograph by those two cameras.

Other structural portions in the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 57 to59 are the same as the above-mentioned first embodiment.

FIG. 60 is a perspective view showing appearance of a third embodimentof a stereographic projector according to the present invention. FIG. 61shows a sectional view taken along the line A-A of FIG. 60. FIG. 62 is ablock diagram of a circuit structure of the stereographic projectorshown in FIGS. 60 and 61. For the purpose of easy understanding, inthose figures, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numbersas those of the figures associated with the first and secondembodiments.

FIG. 60 shows a stereographic projector 3100C comprising a cover member3101 and a supporting member 3151 for supporting the cover member 3101on a desk. The supporting member 3151 supports the cover member 3101 insuch a manner that a supporting angle can be controlled. That is, anangle of elevation of a front 3101 a of the cover member 3101 can bearbitrarily adjusted under control of a screw member 3152.

On the front 3101 a of the cover member 3101 of the stereographicprojector 3100A, there are disposed a screen 3153 onto which an image isprojected, a slit 3154 into which a portable recording medium 3010 isdetachably inserted, a key input button 3107, a power switch 3155 and aspeaker 3142. On the back of the cover member 3101, there is mounted anantenna 3132.

Inside the cover member 3101, as shown in FIG. 61, there are disposedcircuit blocks 3120, a liquid crystal display unit 3110, a projectionlens unit 3111 and a battery 3156. On the back of the cover member 3101,there are disposed an external connecting terminal 3104, a telephoneconnection terminal 3135, an audio output terminal 3143 and a videooutput terminal 3105. The circuit blocks 3120 comprise various circuitsas shown in FIG. 62.

The liquid crystal display unit 3110 has a structure as explainedreferring to FIGS. 50 and 51 or FIGS. 52 and 53. A beam of light emittedfrom the liquid crystal display unit 3110, which carries imageinformation, is applied via the projection lens unit 3111 to the screen3153 from the back thereof, so that a focused image is projected ontothe screen 3153. In this manner, according to the present embodiment,since the projection lens unit 3111 and the screen 3153 for a backprojection type are used, an image projected onto the screen 3153 isobserved for an observer in the form of a reversed image in top andbottom, and right and left, as compared with an image formed on theliquid crystal plate 1101 (cf. FIGS. 50 to 53). For this reason, theimage attitude correction circuit 3128 shown in FIG. 62 in the circuitblock of the third embodiment converts the image signal transmitted fromthe image processing circuit 3123 into an image signal representative ofan image reversed with respect to the top and bottom, and the right andleft.

The circuit structure of the stereographic projector shown in FIGS. 60and 61, as shown in FIG. 62, includes an ISDN receiving circuit 3134 forreceiving an image signal fed via a telephone line, as image input meanswhich is not provided on the above-mentioned first and second embodiment(cf. FIGS. 48 and 59), and a telephone connection terminal 3135 shownalso in FIG. 61. In association with this arrangement, key input buttons3107 shown in FIG. 60 in the third embodiment serve also as telephonenumber input buttons when used for calling via the telephone connectionterminal 3135.

The ISDN receiving circuit 3134 receives an image signal fed via atelephone line, and transmits the same via I/O port 3125 and the systemcontroller 3122 to the image processing circuit 3123. The imageprocessing circuit 3123 deals with the image signal thus received in thesame way as image signals fed through other image input means.

Further, according to the present embodiment, there is provided afunction of receiving an audio signal through the same process as thatfor the image signal. For example, it is possible to receive through theexternal connecting terminal 3104 an audio signal transmitted from anexternal personal computer, or alternatively to take in audioinformation recorded on the recording medium 3010 in the form of anaudio signal. Further it is possible to receive an audio signaltransmitted via a telephone line.

Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 62,there are provided an audio output circuit 3141, a speaker 3142 and anaudio output terminal 3143. The audio signal obtained in the manner asmentioned above is fed via the system controller 3122 to the audiooutput circuit 3141 and is converted into an analog audio signal. Theaudio signal thus converted in the audio output circuit 3141 isgenerated through the speaker 3142, or outputted through the audiooutput terminal 3143. The audio signal outputted through the audiooutput terminal 3143 is fed, for example, to exterior large amplifierand speaker (not illustrated) so as to be generated in the form of largesound.

While the above-mentioned first and second embodiments is provided withthe liquid crystal shutter output terminal 3106 (cf. FIGS. 48 and 59)for outputting a timing signals to control open and close of the liquidcrystal shutters 3201 and 3202 provided on the image stereoscopic visionjig, the third embodiment is provided with no such a liquid crystalshutter output terminal, instead the third embodiment is provided with atransmitting circuit 3131 and an antenna 3132.

The transmitting circuit 3131 is connected to the I/O port 3125 and theantenna 3132. The timing signals to control open and close of the liquidcrystal shutters, which are generated in the system controller 3122, arefed via the I/O port 3125 to the transmitting circuit 3131. Upon receiptof the timing signal, the transmitting circuit 3131 transmits the samethrough the antenna 3132 in the form of radio wave.

Alternatively, it is acceptable that instead of the antenna 3132, aninfrared emitting unit 3133 shown in FIG. 62 with a block depicted by abroken line is provided, and as the transmitting circuit 3131, atransmitting circuit suitable for the infrared emitting unit 3133 isprovided, so that infrared carrying timing signals is transmittedthrough an infrared communication (IRDA).

FIG. 63 is a typical illustration of a second embodiment of a jig for animage stereoscopic vision according to the present invention. FIG. 64 isa block diagram of a circuit structure of the jig for image stereoscopicvision shown in FIG. 63. Different points of the second embodiment fromthe first embodiment shown in FIG. 46 will be explained hereinafter.

An image stereoscopic vision jig 3200B comprises two liquid crystalshutters 3201 and 3202, an antenna 3232, a receiving circuit 3231connected to the antenna 3232 for receiving a radio wave carrying atiming signal, and a button battery 3256 for driving the receivingcircuit 3231. According to the image stereoscopic vision jig 3200B, asshown in FIG. 64, the two liquid crystal shutters 3201 and 3202 arecontrolled in their open and close in accordance with timing signalsobtained by reception of the receiving circuit 3231. The timings of openand close of the two liquid crystal shutters 3201 and 3202 are the sameas those explained referring to FIGS. 54 and 55.

In this manner, the image stereoscopic vision jig 3200B shown in FIGS.63 and 64 is used in a pair with the stereographic projector 3100C shownin FIGS. 60 to 62, and upon receipt of a radio wave carrying timingsignals transmitted from the stereographic projector 3100C, the imagestereoscopic vision jig 3200B controls open and close of the liquidcrystal shutters 3201 and 3202.

Incidentally, in the event the stereographic projector 3100C shown inFIGS. 60 to 62 is provided with such an arrangement that the antenna3132 is replaced by the infrared emitting unit 3133, and timing signalsare generated in accordance with a infrared signal, the imagestereoscopic vision jig 3200B shown in FIGS. 63 and 64 is also providedwith such an arrangement that the antenna 3232 is replaced by theinfrared sensor 3233, in addition the receiving circuit 3231 is replacedby an equivalence suitable for the infrared sensor 3233, and timingsignals are generated by catching infrared transmitted through aninfrared communication (IRDA).

FIG. 65 is a perspective view showing appearance of a fourth embodimentof a stereographic projector according to the present invention. FIG. 66shows a sectional view taken along the line A-A of FIG. 65. FIG. 67 is ablock diagram of a circuit structure of the stereographic projectorshown in FIGS. 65 and 66. Different points of the fourth embodiment fromthe third embodiment shown in FIGS. 60 to 62 will be describedhereinafter.

A stereographic projector 3100D is provided with a power source plug3103 for connection with a commercial power source and a power source3160 for conversion of a commercial power into a DC power. According tothe third embodiment, the stereographic projector is driven by thebattery 3156 (cf. FIG. 61). On the contrary, the stereographic projector3100D according to the fourth embodiment is driven by a commercialpower. It is also acceptable that those powers are used together oroptionally selected.

Further, according to the third embodiment, the screen 3153 is mountedon the cover member 3101, and an image is projected onto the screen3153. On the other hand, according to the fourth embodiment, instead ofthe screen 3153 in the third embodiment, a transparent glass 3163 ismounted. A beam of light carrying image information, which is emittedfrom the liquid crystal display unit, is emitted via the projection lensunit 3111 and then via the transparent glass 3163 to the exterior of thestereographic projector 3100D, so that an image is projected onto ascreen, for example, a wall of a room.

According to the fourth embodiment, a projection lens unit 3111 isprovided with a focus control knob 3111 a. When the focus control knob3111 a turns, a projection lens moves in an optical axis direction, sothat a focused image can be formed on a screen (for example, a wall of aroom) regardless of a distance of the projection lens to the screen.

According to the fourth embodiment, in a similar fashion to that of theabove-mentioned first and second embodiments (cf. FIGS. 44 to 45 andFIGS. 57 to 58), there is formed, on the screen such as a wall of aroom, an image which is an erect image with respect to the right andleft, but a reverse image with respect to the top and bottom, ascompared with an image formed on the liquid crystal plate 1101 (cf. FIG.50 to FIG. 53). For this reason, according to the present embodiment, animage attitude correction circuit 3128 shown in FIG. 67 converts animage into a reverse image only with respect to the top and bottom, sothat the reverse image only with respect to the top and bottom is formedon the liquid crystal plate 1101.

Further, according to the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 66 and67, there is a liquid crystal shutter output terminal 3016. Thestereographic projector 3100D of the fourth embodiment is used incombination with the image stereoscopic vision jig 3200A shown in FIG.46.

In a similar fashion to that of the third embodiment (FIGS. 60 to 62),the stereographic projector 3100D of the fourth embodiment is providedwith an antenna 3132. However, the stereographic projector 3100D of thefourth embodiment is provided with, as seen from FIG. 67, a receivingcircuit 3137 instead of the transmitting circuit 3131 (cf. FIG. 62) inthe third embodiment. That is, the antenna 3132 receives image signaland audio signal transmitted in the form of a radio wave. The imagesignal and the audio signal received by the receiving circuit 3137 aretransmitted via the I/O port 3125 to the system controller 3122.Further, the image signal is transmitted to the image processing circuit3123, and the audio signal is transmitted to the audio output circuit3141.

Alternatively, it is acceptable that instead of the antenna 3132, aninfrared sensor 3136 shown in FIG. 67 with a block depicted by a brokenline is provided, and as the receiving circuit 3137, a receiving circuitsuitable for the infrared sensor 3136 is provided, so that infraredcarrying image information and audio information is detected through aninfrared communication (IRDA), and thereby obtaining image signal andaudio signal.

Other structural portions of the fourth embodiment are the similar tothat of the third embodiment shown in FIGS. 60 to 62.

FIG. 68 is a perspective view showing appearance of a fifth embodimentof a stereographic projector according to the present invention. FIG. 69shows a sectional view taken along the line B-B of FIG. 68.

FIG. 68 shows a stereographic projector 3100E comprising a cover member3101 and a supporting member 3171 for supporting the cover member 3101on a desk. The supporting member 3171 supports the cover member 3101 insuch a manner that an angle of elevation of the cover member 3101 can beadjusted.

In the front of the cover member 3101, a large scale of screen 3172 onwhich an image is projected is fixed, and there is provided a closingcover 3173. The closing cover 3173 is movably opened on a hinge 3174 asseen from FIG. 69. An operation of a knob 3175 shown in FIG. 68 makes itpossible to open the closing cover 3173. Inside the closing cover 3173,a mirror 3176 is fixed. In a state that the closing cover 3173 isclosed, a beam of light emitted from the liquid crystal display unit3110 is reflected on a mirror 3176 via a projection lens unit 3111, andthen reflected on a further mirror 3177 to irradiate the screen 3172 sothat an image is projected on the screen 3172.

On the other hand, in a state that the closing cover 3173 is opened, abeam of light transmitted through the projection lens unit 3111 emergesthrough an aperture, which is formed when the closing cover 3173 isopened, to the exterior to irradiate an external screen, for example, awall of a room, so that an image is projected on the external screen.According to a stereographic projector 3100E of the fifth embodiment, asshown in FIG. 69, the projection lens unit 3111 is provided with a focuscontrol knob 3111 a. When the focus control knob 3111 a turns, aprojection lens moves in an optical axis direction, so that a focusedimage can be formed on anyone of the screen 3172 fixed on the covermember 3101 and the exterior screen, for example, a wall of a room.

Between a case where an image is projected onto the screen 3172 fixed onthe cover member 3101 and a case where an image is projected onto theexterior screen, for example, a wall of a room, those images aremutually reversed with respect to the right and left. For this reason,according to the stereographic projector 3100E of the fifth embodiment,as shown in FIG. 67, the image attitude correction circuit 3128 has animage attitude correction function of reversing an image with respect tothe right and left between a case where the closing cover 3173 is openedand a case where the closing cover 3173 is closed. Incidentally,according to the present embodiment, when the closing cover 3173 isclosed, there is formed on the screen 3172 an image which is reversedwith respect to both the top and bottom and the right and left ascompared with an image formed on the liquid crystal plate 1101 (cf. FIG.50 to FIG. 53). For this reason, according to the fifth embodiment, alsoin this respect, an image attitude is corrected in such a manner thatboth an image projected onto the screen 3172 when the closing cover 3173is closed and an image projected onto the exterior screen when theclosing cover 3173 is opened are observed in the form of an erect image.

While the image attitude is corrected by the image attitude correctioncircuit 3128 referring to FIGS. 68 and 69, it is acceptable that insteadof correction on the image signal, an optical system for an imageattitude correction, which is included or extruded in or from an opticalpath in accordance with open and close of the closing cover, is used tocorrect the image attitude.

FIG. 70 is a perspective view showing appearance of a fifth embodimentof a stereographic projector according to the present invention. FIG. 71is a typical illustration showing a main internal structure of astereographic projector shown in FIG. 70. FIG. 72 is a block diagram ofa circuit structure of the stereographic projector shown in FIGS. 70 and71.

A stereographic projector 3100F has a function of a stereographicphotography, and is available as both a video photography apparatus anda still photography apparatus through switching of a key operation.

In front of the stereographic projector 3100F, as shown in FIG. 70,there are disposed a pair of image taking lenses 3301 a and 3301 b, anAF (Auto Focus) light projecting window 3302 a and an AF light receivingwindow 3302 b for use in a measurement of a distance to a camera subject(not illustrated), an AE window 3303 for use in a measurement of aluminance of a camera subject, an electronic flash emitter unit 3304,apertures 3305 for picking up voice with an internal microphone, aspeaker 3142 for outputting voice, a slot 3154 into which the portablerecording medium 3010 as shown in FIG. 71 is detachably inserted, and aprojection lens unit 3111 for projecting an image on the externalscreen. On the top of the stereographic projector 3100F, there aredisposed a shutter button 3306, a power switch 3307, a key input button3107, a photographic mode selection button 3308, a reproduction modeselection button 3309, an antenna 3132, and a liquid crystal display3310.

The liquid crystal display 3310 is the conventional TFT type liquidcrystal display onto which an image of the camera subject is projectedwhile an image quality is not so good. In this case, on the liquidcrystal display 3310, there may be displayed various types ofinformation such as residual time available for recording (in case of avideo photography), the number of frames of a film available for aphotography (in case of a still photography), a degree of dissipation ofa battery, etc.

Further, on the side of the stereographic projector 3100F, there aredisposed an external output terminal 3104, a telephone connectionterminal 3135, an audio output terminal 3143 and a liquid crystal outputterminal 3106.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 71, inside the stereographic projector3100F, there are disposed AF and AE unit 3311 for focusing andphotometry in the internal portion of the AF light projecting window3302 a, the AF light receiving window 3302 b and the AE window 3303, anda microphone 3114 in the internal portion of the apertures 3305. In theback portions of the pair of image taking lenses 3301 a, 3301 b, thereare disposed CCD image receiving devices 3312 a and 3312 b for receivingimages formed through the image taking lenses 3301 a and 3301 b,respectively. Further, inside the stereographic projector 3100F, thereare disposed a liquid crystal display unit 3110 as an element for theimage reproduction, and the above-mentioned projection lens unit 3110.Still furthermore, inside the stereographic projector 3100F, there aredisposed circuit blocks 3120 comprising various types of circuits foroperating the stereographic projector 3100F, and a battery 3156. Whenthe power switch 3307 turns on, an electric power is supplied from thebattery 3156 to the circuit blocks 3120 and the like. The battery 3156is exchangeable. The circuit blocks 3120 comprise various types ofcircuits which will be described hereinafter in conjunction with FIG.72.

When the photographic mode selection button 3308 shown in FIG. 70 isdepressed, the stereographic projector 3100F serves as a stereographicphotography apparatus, and operates as follows.

The CCD image receiving devices 3312 a and 3312 b are driven by CCDdrivers 3321 a and 3321 b shown in FIG. 72 to generate image signalsassociated with images formed through the image taking lenses 3301 a and3301 b, respectively. The image signals generated in the CCD imagereceiving devices 3312 a and 3312 b are amplified by amplifiers 3322 aand 3322 b, and then converted into digital image signals by A/Dconverters 3323 a and 3323 b, respectively. The digital image signalsthus converted are fed to an image processing circuit 3123. The imageprocessing circuit 3123 performs in addition to the same processing asthat of the image processing circuit in the above-mentioned varioustypes of embodiments, for example, a gray level processing and afiltering processing. One of the image signals subjected to the imageprocessing in the image processing circuit 3123 is fed to a D/Aconverter 3124 to be converted into an analog signal. The analog signalthus converted is displayed on a liquid crystal display unit 3110.

Another of the image signals derived from the image processing circuit3123 is fed to a system controller 3122 and then a recording mediumdriving unit 3121 so that image information associated with the imagesignal is stored in the recording medium 3010. As mentioned above, thestereographic projector 3100F is so arranged that a photographing modeis selectable between the video photography and the still photography inaccordance with a button operation of the key input button 3107. In theevent that the video photography is performed, a recording of imageinformation onto the recording medium 3010 is continued while a shutterbutton 3306 is depressed. In the event that the still photography isperformed, whenever the shutter button 3306 is depressed, total twoframes of image information as to right and left frames of imagesobtained through the CCD image receiving devices 3312 a and 3312 b ofright and left are recorded on the recording medium 3010. In the eventthat the video photography is performed, in order to obtain a dynamicimage smooth in a movement, an image is received in the form ofthree-dimensional image at speed higher than 1/16 sec per frame (twoframes in a case where each of images obtained through the CCD imagereceiving devices 3312 a and 3312 b of right and left is counted as aframe of image) to be recorded on the recording medium 3010.

In the event that image information is recorded onto the recordingmedium 3010, it is acceptable that an audio signal picked up by themicrophone 3145 is converted into a digital audio signal by an audioinput and output circuit 3144, and then transmitted to the systemcontroller 3122 so that the audio information is stored in the recordingmedium 3010 together with the image information.

As another transmission path of an image signal outputted from the imageprocessing circuit 3123, there is a route in which the image signal istransmitted to the system controller 3122, and then outputted from anexternal connection terminal 3104 via an I/O port 3125 to the exterior.The external connection terminal 3104 is connected, for example, to apersonal computer (not illustrated) so that an image can be transmittedto the personal computer. This is a similar as to the matter of theaudio signal picked up by the microphone 3145. That is, it is possibleto output from the external connection terminal 3104 the audio signaltogether with the image signal.

Further, it is possible to receive from the external connection terminal3104 the audio signal and the image signal. Specifically, it is possibleto receive an image signal and an audio signal transmitted, for example,from the personal computer connected to the external connection terminal3104, record the same on the recording medium 3010 via the I/O port3125, the system controller 3122 and the recording medium driving unit3121, and transmit the associated image signal to the image processingcircuit 3123 so that an image is displayed on the liquid crystal display3310 in accordance with the image signal.

Furthermore, according to the stereographic projector 3100F, it ispossible to transmit an image signal and an audio signal in the form ofa radio wave via a receive-transmit circuit 3138, and to receive animage signal and an audio signal transmitted in the form of a radiowave. Also it is possible to transmit an image signal and an audiosignal via an ISDN receiving and transmitting circuit 3137 and atelephone connection terminal 3135 to a telephone circuit, and toreceive an image signal and an audio signal transmitted through atelephone circuit.

A flow of the above-mentioned image signal and audio signal iscontrolled by the system controller 3122 upon receipt of an instructionthrough the button operation of the key input button 3107.

When the reproduction mode selection button 3309 is depressed, thestereographic projector 3100F serves as a primary stereographicprojector for projecting a three-dimensional image on an externalscreen. An operation of the stereographic projector in the reproductionmode is the same as that in the above-mentioned various types ofembodiments, and thus a redundant description will be omitted.

FIG. 74 is a perspective view showing appearance of a first embodimentof a printer according to the present invention looking from the frontside. A printer 4002 is a portable type of printer and is able to bedriven by an internal battery as well as an AC power source. As arecording material for the printer 4002, a mono-sheet type of instantprint film unit (referred to as a film unit) is used.

On the top of the printer 4002, there are provided a slit-like shapeddischarge outlet 4004 through which a film unit after printed isdischarged, a push button type of print switch 4005 for instructing aprinting operation of the printer 4002, and an antenna 4006 useful forreceiving image data transmitted from an external equipment andtransmitting image data to the external equipment. In the front of theprinter 4002, there is formed a projecting member 4007 inside which anoptical path for image exposure to the film unit is provided.

On one side of the printer 4002, there are provided a memory slot 4010through which a memory card 4009 (cf. FIG. 78) to be used as a datarecording medium is inserted, an external output terminal 4011 foroutputting information of an image to be printed to a display equipmentsuch as an external monitor and the like, an external connectionterminal 4012 to which an external equipment is to be connected, and anISDN connection terminal 4013 for communication of image data via anISDN line.

FIG. 75 is a perspective view showing appearance of the first embodimentof the printer according to the present invention looking from the backside. On the back of the printer 4002, there are provided a back cover4016, which is movable on a hinge portion 4015 (cf. FIG. 73) so as to beopened, and a release knob 4017 for releasing a lock when the back cover4016 is opened. Inside the printer 4002, there is provided a packchamber onto which a film pack accommodating a film units is loaded. Theback cover 4016 serves to open and close the pack chamber. On one sideof the back cover 4016, there are disposed a power switch 4018 of theprinter 4002, and an operation panel 4019 on which various types ofswitches are provided.

At the substantial center of the back cover 4016, a transparentprotection plate 4021 is engaged. On the back of the protection plate4021, there is mounted an observing liquid crystal display unit 4022(cf. FIG. 73) which is used for an image observation for a print.

FIG. 73 is a sectional view of the first embodiment of a printeraccording to the present invention. As mentioned above, on the backinside the printer 4002, there is provided a pack chamber 4025 ontowhich a film pack 4024 is loaded. The film pack 4024 is one in which aplurality of film units 4027 are accommodated on a stack basis in aplastic case 4026, and is the same as that used for the general instantcamera.

The film unit 4027 has a developer pot 4027 b including developer at theupper portion of a sensitive surface 4027 a and a trap member 4027 c forabsorbing residual of developer spread over the sensitive surface 4027 aat the lower portion of the sensitive surface 4027 a. After a latentimage is photochemically formed by exposing the sensitive surface 4027a, the developer pot 4027 b is exploded to pour developer into asensitive layer inside the sensitive surface 4027 a, thereby obtaining aprint photograph promptly. The film unit 4027 is a transmission filmunit in which an image is transferred through a reflection layer to areceiving layer opposed against the sensitive layer inside the sensitivesurface 4027 a to be subjected to exposure.

In the front of the case 4026, there is formed an exposure aperture 4029for exposing the sensitive surface 4027 a of the film unit 4027. In theback side of the case 4026, there are formed openings 4031 each foraccepting a film pressing member 4030 provided on an inner wall of theback cover 4016. The film pressing member 4030 pushes the film unit 4027accommodated in the case 4026 against the inner wall in the front ofcase 4026 by pressing the film unit 4027 from the back so that evennessproperty is provided for the sensitive surface 4027 a, while it is notillustrated, the opening 4031 formed on the back of the case 4026 iscovered by a flexible shielding sheet, and the film pressing member 4030pushes the film unit 4027 through this shield sheet.

The observing liquid crystal display unit 4022 is mounted on an innerwall of the back cover 4016 in such a manner that it is disposed betweena pair of film pressing members 4030. A space defined by a pair of filmpressing members 4030 forms a dead space in which no main parts areincorporated thereinto, as in the instant camera using such pressingmembers. However, according to the printer 4002 of the presentembodiment, the observing liquid crystal display unit 4022 isincorporated into such dead space formed between a pair of film pressingmembers 4030. This feature makes it possible to provide a compactness ofthe printer.

The observing liquid crystal display unit 4022 comprises a well knownTFT type of transmission liquid crystal panel and a back light forilluminating this liquid crystal panel from the back. And It has such adegree of size that a printing image can be directly observed.

FIG. 76 is a sectional view schematically showing an internalarrangement of the printer 4002 according to the present invention. Thefilm pack 4024 is disposed at the substantial center within the printer4002. At the right of the film pack 4024, there are disposed a printsubstrate 4033 on which various types of circuits for controllingstructural elements of the printer 4002 are formed and theabove-mentioned various types of terminals are mounted, and a memorycard drive unit for driving the memory card 4009. At the left of thefilm pack 4024, there are disposed a film transport mechanism 4035 fortransporting the exposed film unit 4027 from the film pack 4024, thefilm transport mechanism 4035 serving also as developing means, and adriving motor 4036 for driving the film transport mechanism 4035. At thetop of the film pack 4024, there is disposed a developing roller pair4037 constituting the film transport mechanism 4035.

The film transport mechanism 4035 is used also in the general instantcamera. The film transport mechanism 4035 comprises: a claw member fortransporting the film unit 4027 upwards through a delivery outlet 4040provided on the top of the case 4026 in such a manner that the clawmember enters a groove 4039 formed in the front of the case 4026, andmoves upwards while dipping up the lower end of the film unit 4027located in the front row within the case 4026; a mechanism for drivingthe claw member; and the developing roller pair 4037.

The film unit 4027 transported from the case 4026 is fed between thedeveloping rollers 4037. The developing rollers 4037 are also driven bythe driving motor 4036 to rotate in mutually different directions sothat the film unit 4027 is sandwiched between the developing rollers4037 and is conveyed to a discharge outlet 4004 located upwards. Thedeveloping rollers 4037 are energized by springs and spacers (notillustrated) to make an approach to one another maintaining regularintervals so as to sandwich the film unit 4027 with strong power. Thus,the developer pot 4027 b of the film unit 4027 is exploded so thatdeveloper flows into a sensitive layer inside the sensitive surface 4027a. The developing rollers 4037 uniformly spreads developer on thesensitive layer inside the sensitive surface 4027 a, and discharges thefilm unit 4027 through the discharge outlet 4004.

As shown in FIG. 73, inside the projecting member 4007 provided in thefront of the printer 4002, there is formed an exposure chamber 4042which lies in the front of the pack chamber 4025. On the inner wall ofthe tip of the exposure chamber 4042, there is disposed an exposingliquid crystal display unit 4043 for displaying an image to be exposedon the film unit 4027. Between the exposing liquid crystal display unit4043 and the film unit 4027, there is disposed an imaging lens 4044 asan exposing optical system in which an image displayed on the exposingliquid crystal display unit 4043 is projected with expansion onto thesensitive surface 4027 a of the film unit 4027.

FIG. 77 is an exploded perspective view of the exposing liquid crystaldisplay unit 4043. The exposing liquid crystal display unit 4043comprises: a transmission matrix drive type of liquid crystal panel4046; a diffusing plate 4047 and a light amplifying plate 4048 which aredisposed at the back of the liquid crystal panel 4046; an LED unit 4049,as a light source, disposed at the back of the diffusing plate 4047 anda light amplifying plate 4048; a cover member 4050 for accommodatingthose elements; and a transparent protection cover 4051 for protectingthe liquid crystal panel 4046 and also for closing the cover member4050.

On the liquid crystal panel 4046, a number of pixels (for example,length 240 pixels×breadth 320 pixels=total 76,800 pixels) are arrangedon a two-dimensional basis. The liquid crystal panel 4046 per se has nocoloring matter, and the whole pixels are used to form an image. The LEDunit 4049 comprises a circuit substrate 4056 on which LED's 4053, 4054and 4055, which emit beams of light of red (R), green(G)and blue(B),respectively, are mounted.

The exposing liquid crystal display unit 4043 sequentially displaysimages, which are obtained by color separation of a color image forthree primary colors, on the liquid crystal panel 4046 at regularintervals, and in synchronism with this, sequentially turns on the LED's4053, 4054 and 4055 for three primary colors provided on the LED unit4049. Thus, it is possible to observe a color image by after-imagephenomenon of display of the frame images and flashing of the LED's4053, 4054 and 4055. According to the exposing liquid crystal displayunit 4043, a color display can be performed by one pixel of the liquidcrystal panel 4046. This feature makes it possible to display anenhanced color image with a compactness. Further, power dissipation isextremely small as compared with the conventional one such as theobserving liquid crystal display unit 4022. Thus, it is possible toreadily apply this printer to a portable printer which will be driven bya battery.

On the exposing liquid crystal display unit 4043, an color image isdisplayed in the form of an erect image with respect to both the top andbottom and the right and left. Accordingly, on the sensitive surface4027 a of the film unit 4027, an image, which is reversed in the top andbottom and the right and left, is exposed. However, an image is observedfrom the opposite side of the sensitive surface 4027 a of the film unit4027. Thus, a positive image formed on the film unit 4027 is the sameimage as that displayed on the exposing liquid crystal display unit4043.

FIG. 78 is a block diagram showing an electric structure of the firstembodiment of the printer according to the present invention. Theprinter 4002 is controlled by a system controller 4058 including amicrocomputer and the like. The system controller 4058 receives via theI/O port various types of signals from an operation panel 4019, anexternal connection terminals 4012, a receive-transmit circuit 4060 forreceiving and transmitting image data via an antenna 4006, an ISDNreceive-transmit circuit 4061 for receiving and transmitting image datavia an ISDN terminal 4013, and an infrared receive-transmit circuit 4062for receiving and transmitting image data in the form of infrared via alight receiving and emitting unit 4062 a. Further, the system controller4058 monitors signals inputted to perform a processing in accordancewith an input signal.

An EEPROM 4064 connected to the system controller 4058 stores thereinbeforehand a sequence program of operating the printer 4002 inaccordance with a predetermined sequence, and various control data to bereferred to when the sequence program is executed. A decoration datamemory 4065 stores therein a frame to be compounded with image dataentered, a message, a character mark, etc.

As a memory card 4009, a DRAM (dynamic random access memory) is used,and stores therein image data through an electronic still camera, apersonal computer, etc. The memory card 4009 inserted into the memoryslot 4010 is set to a memory card drive unit 4034. The system controller4058 reads out image data recorded in the memory card 4009 via thememory card drive unit 4034, and writes into the memory card 4009composite image data in which image data and decoration data such as aframe surrounding the image data and a message are synthesized.

Image data read out from the memory card 4009 is fed to an image dataprocessing circuit 4067. Upon receipt of the image data, the image dataprocessing circuit 4067 performs a signal processing such as a whitebalance control and a gamma correction for the received image data. Whenthe decoration data is selected, the image data processing circuit 4067performs an image composition of image data and decoration data. Theprocessed image data is converted into a video signal associated with acomposite signal of an NTSC system, and then fed via a D/A converter4068 and an amplifier 4069 to an external output terminal 4011 for avideo signal. Thus, it is possible to observe an image through anexternal monitor connected to the external output terminal 4011.

The video signal outputted from the image data processing circuit 4067is also fed to the LCD driver 4071. Then the LCD driver 4071 drives theobserving liquid crystal display unit 4022 so that a printing image isdisplayed on the observing liquid crystal display unit 4022.

Further, in a route other than that for the video signal, the processedimage data is converted into an electric color image signal and then fedto an interface circuit 4073. An entry of the image signal to theinterface circuit 4073 is carried out in accordance with an operation ofa print switch 4005. At that time, the system controller 4058 enables ashutter circuit 4088 to control a display time of an image on exposingliquid crystal display unit 4043.

The interface circuit 4073 comprises an operating frequency conversioncircuit 4074, a display control unit 4075, and an D/A converter 4076. Acolor image signal is first fed to the operating frequency conversioncircuit 4074. As shown in FIG. 79, the operating frequency conversioncircuit 4074 comprises two frame memories 4075 and 4076, a control unit4077, and four switch circuits 4078, 4079, 4080 and 4081. Incidentally,an entry of an image signal from the image data processing circuit 4067into the interface circuit 4073 is performed only when the print switch4005 is operated.

A terminal 4083 of the operating frequency conversion circuit 4074receives a color image signal SGNL 1 representative of a frame of colorimage data in synchronism with a clock CLK1 which is fed to a terminal4084. The color image signal SGNL1 is stored in a frame memory 4075 or aframe memory 4076 in accordance with a selection state of switchingcircuits 4078 and 4079. The control unit 4077 monitors the clock CLK1,and switches the switching circuits 4078 and 4079 whenever a frame ofcolor image signal is completely stored in one of the frame memories4075 and 4076. Each of the switching circuits 4078 and 4079 has aneutral point which is not connected to any of the frame memories 4075and 4076. The neutral points are used in accordance with a differencebetween operating frequencies in the writing end and the reading end.

On the other hand, in the event that color images are read out from theframe memories 4075 and 4076, the color image are read out in the formof a color image signal SGNL2 through a terminal 4086 in synchronismwith a clock CLK2 which is fed to a terminal 4085. Also at that time,control unit 4077 monitors the clock CLK2, and switches the switchingcircuits 4080 and 4081 when a color image signal is completely read outfrom one of the frame memories 4075 and 4076, so that a color imagesignal is read out from another frame memory. The clock CLK2synchronizes with the operating frequency of the exposing liquid crystaldisplay unit 4043, so that the color image signal SGNL2 derived from theoperating frequency conversion circuit 4074 drives the exposing liquidcrystal display unit 4043 in synchronism, with the same.

In the event that the clock CLK1 and the clock CLK2 are equal to oneanother in frequency, it is possible to read and write color imagesignals from and in the frame memories 4075 and 4076 on an equivalenttiming basis. However, in the event that the clock CLK1 and the clockCLK2 are not equal to one another in frequency, various problems willoccur. For example, in the event that the frequency of the clock CLK1 ishigher than the clock CLK2, read out of a color image signal from aframe memory becomes later as compared with writing of a color imagesignal into a frame memory. This involves such a problem that asubsequent frame of color image signal cannot be written into a framememory.

In the event that the frequency of the clock CLK1 is lower than theclock CLK2, read out of a color image signal from a frame memory becomesfaster as compared with writing of a color image signal into a framememory. In this case, it is impossible to feed the subsequent colorimage signal to the exposing liquid crystal display unit 4043. Theseproblems can be solved by changing the switching timing of the switchingcircuits 4078, 4079, 4080 and 4081, as will be described hereinafter.

In the event that the frequency of the clock CLK1 is higher than theclock CLK2, the switching circuits 4078 and 4079 are switched to theneutral points which are not connected to any of the frame memories 4075and 4076, so that a color image signal is inhibited from being writteninto a frame memory until read out of a color image signal of either oneof the frame memories 4075 and 4076 is completed.

In the event that the frequency of the clock CLK1 is lower than theclock CLK2, the control unit 4077 does not perform switching for theswitching circuits 4080 and 4081 until writing into a frame memory inthe writing side is completed. When writing of a color image signal intothe frame memory in the writing side is completed, while the same colorimage signal is repeatedly read out from the same frame memory, thecontrol unit 4077 switches the switching circuits 4080 and 4081.

In this manner, even in the event that an operating frequency of anentered color image signal is different from that of the exposing liquidcrystal display unit 4043, the operating frequency conversion circuit4074 can surely converts the operating frequency of an entered colorimage signal into the same frequency as the operating frequency of theexposing liquid crystal display unit 4043, thereby preventing anoccurrence of a disturbance of an image due to the frequency shift onthe exposing liquid crystal display unit 4043.

The color image signal read out from the operating frequency conversioncircuit 4074 is fed to the display control unit 4075. The displaycontrol unit 4075 separates a color image signal to color image signalsassociated with three primary colors of R, G, and B, and sequentiallyoutputs those signals. Each of the color image signals outputted fromthe display control unit 4075 is converted into an analog image signalby the D/A converter 4076 and then fed to the exposing liquid crystaldisplay unit 4043. The display control unit 4075 feeds also to theexposing liquid crystal display unit 4043 a control signal to drive theLED unit 4049.

As shown in FIG. 80, the display control unit 4075 sequentially forms onthe liquid crystal panel 4046 of the exposing liquid crystal displayunit 4043 at time t1 intervals a frame image for red-association, aframe image for green-association, and a frame image forblue-association, which are associated with each of the color imagesignals. Further, the display control unit 4075 drives the LED unit 4049to sequentially turn on the LED's 4053, 4054 and 4055 in synchronismwith the formation of the respective colors of frame images onto theliquid crystal panel 4046.

When an operating time T, which is necessary for display of a frameimage for red-association, a frame image for green-association, and aframe image for blue-association onto the liquid crystal panel 4046, andturn on of the LED's 4053, 4054 and 4055, is expressed by one cycle, theoperating time of one cycle is not more than 1/16 sec. Thus, a displayof full color is performed with one pixel of the liquid crystal panel4046 by after-image phenomenon of display of these frame images andflashing of the LED's 4053, 4054 and 4055. Further, even if dynamicimage data is inputted, it is possible to expect a smooth movement of animage.

In the event that the image data to be inputted is a dynamic image, theimmediately subsequent frame image is inputted. On the other hand, incase of the still image, the same frame image is repeatedly fed to thedisplay control unit 4075 by the operating frequency conversion circuit4074 until an operation of switching an image is implemented, or until atime according to the set up content of the automatic image transportfunction elapses. Thus, a still image is continuously displayed on theexposing liquid crystal display unit 4043.

The shutter circuit 4088 controls the interface circuit 4073 so that theexposing liquid crystal display unit 4043 serves as a shutter, andspecifically, causes the exposing liquid crystal display unit 4043 todisplay a full color image thereon by a predetermined time so that anexposure on the film unit 4027 is effected. It is acceptable that anexposure time is automatically controlled in accordance with sensitivityof the film unit 4027 and density of image data, or alternatively a usersets up.

When the exposure on the film unit 4027 is terminated, the systemcontroller 4058 enables the driving motor 4036 via a motor driver 4090.Thus, the film transport mechanism 4035 operates, so that the clawmember transports the film unit 4027 upwards through the delivery outlet4040 provided on the top of the case 4026 in such a manner that the clawmember enters the groove 4039 formed in the front of the film pack 4024,and moves upwards while dipping up the lower end of the film unit 4027located in the front row within the case 4026.

The developing rollers 4037 are also driven by the driving motor 4036 torotate in mutually different directions so that the film unit 4027 issandwiched between the developing rollers 4037 and is conveyed to adischarge outlet 4004 located upwards. At that time, the developer pot4027 b of the film unit 4027 is exploded so that developer flows into asensitive layer inside the sensitive surface 4027 a. The developingrollers 4037 uniformly spreads developer on the sensitive layer insidethe sensitive surface 4027 a. Thus, a positive image is formed on thefilm unit 4027.

Next, there will be explained an effect of the first embodiment of theprinter according to the present invention referring to FIG. 81.

When the printer 4002 is used, the power switch 4018 provided on theoperation panel 4019 is operated to turn on the power source of theprinter 4002. With respect to input ways of image data to the printer4002, there are prepared a plurality of input methods, for example, amethod in which image data is inputted through the memory card 4009 onwhich image data is recorded by an electronic still camera, a personalcomputer, etc.; a method in which the external connection terminal 4012and the ISDN connection terminal 4013 are utilized to directly inputimage data through the external equipment such as an electronic stillcamera, a video camera, a video deck, a personal computer, etc.; amethod in which the antenna 4006 is used to input image data through aradio wave from an external equipment; and a method in which image datais inputted through infrared by the light receiving and emitting unit4062 a. In the present embodiment, there will be explained by way ofexample the method in which image data is inputted through the memorycard 4009.

In the event that image data is inputted through the memory card 4009,the memory card 4009 is inserted into the memory slot 4010 in a statethat the power source of the printer 4002 is turned off, and then thepower source of the printer 4002 is turned on. The reason why this is todo so is that data of the memory card 4009 is prevented from beingdestroyed by a detachable insertion of the memory card 4009 in the statethat the power source of the printer 4002 is turned on. After turn on ofthe power source of the printer 4002, various switches of the operationpanel 4019 are operated to select and determine a method of inputtingimage data, and then the input of the image data is carried out.

As shown in FIG. 78, when an operation of inputting of image datathrough the operation panel 4019 is made, an operation signal is fed viathe I/O port 4059 to the system controller 4058. Upon receipt of theoperation signal from the I/O port 4059, the system controller 4058reads out image data from the memory card 4009 via the memory card driveunit 4034.

Image data read out from the memory card 4009 is fed to an image dataprocessing circuit 4067 by the system controller 4058. Upon receipt ofthe image data, the image data processing circuit 4067 performs a signalprocessing such as a white balance control and a gamma correction forthe received image data. The processed image data is converted into avideo signal associated with a composite signal of an NTSC system, andthen fed via a D/A converter 4068 and an amplifier 4069 to an externaloutput terminal 4011 for a video signal. Thus, it is possible to observean image through an external monitor connected to the external outputterminal 4011.

The video signal is also fed to the LCD driver 4071. Then the LCD driver4071 drives the observing liquid crystal display unit 4022 so that animage associated with the inputted video signal is displayed on theobserving liquid crystal display unit 4022.

A user operates various switches of the operation panel 4019 tosequentially read image data recorded on the memory card 4009, andobserves the same on the observing liquid crystal display unit 4022 sothat an image to be printed is selected and decided among the observedimage data.

Further, according to the printer 4002 of the present embodiment, it ispossible to combine decoration data such as a frame, a message, acharacter mark, etc., with image data entered from the exterior intoprinting. When the operation panel 4019 is operated to issue aninstruction that decoration data is used, the system controller 4058sequentially read decoration data from the decoration data memory 4065.The decoration data thus read is combined with image data selected bythe decoration data memory 4065. A composite image data of the imagedata with the decoration data is again displayed on the observing liquidcrystal display unit 4022.

In the event that image data to be printed is determined, the printswitch 4005 is depressed. The system controller 4058 receives a printsignal from the print switch 4005 via the I/O port 4059. Upon receipt ofthe print signal, the system controller 4058 causes the image dataprocessing circuit 4067 to convert image data into an electric colorimage signal and feed the signal thus converted to the interface circuit4073. Further, the system controller 4058 enables the shutter circuit4088 to control a display time of image data on the exposing liquidcrystal display unit 4043 by the interface circuit 4073.

A color image signal entered the interface circuit 4073 is fed to theoperating frequency conversion circuit 4074. As shown in FIG. 79, theterminal 4083 of the operating frequency conversion circuit 4074receives the color image signal SGNL1 representative of a frame of colorimage data in synchronism with the clock CLK1 fed to the terminal 4084.The color image signal SGNL1 is stored in either of the frame memories4075 and 4076 in accordance with the switching state of the switchingcircuits 4078, 4079. The control unit 4077 monitors the clock CLK1, andswitches the switching circuits 4078 and 4079 whenever a frame of colorimage signal is completely stored in one of the frame memories 4075 and4076.

On the other hand, color images stored in the frame memories 4075 and4076 are read out in the form of a color image signal SGNL2 through aterminal 4086 in synchronism with a clock CLK2 which is fed to aterminal 4085. Also at that time, control unit 4077 monitors the clockCLK2, and switches the switching circuits 4080 and 4081 when a colorimage signal is completely read out from one of the frame memories 4075and 4076, so that a color image signal is read out from another framememory. The clock CLK2 synchronizes with the operating frequency of theexposing liquid crystal display unit 4043, so that the color imagesignal SGNL2 derived from the operating frequency conversion circuit4074 drives the exposing liquid crystal display unit 4043 in synchronismwith the same.

In the event that the frequency of the clock CLK1 is higher than theclock CLK2, the switching circuits 4078 and 4079 are switched to theneutral points which are not connected to any of the frame memories 4075and 4076, so that a color image signal is inhibited from being writteninto a frame memory until read out of a color image signal of either oneof the frame memories 4075 and 4076 is completed. This solves such aproblem that a subsequent frame of color image signal cannot be writteninto a frame memory.

In the event that the frequency of the clock CLK1 is lower than theclock CLK2, the control unit 4077 does not perform switching for theswitching circuits 4080 and 4081 until writing into a frame memory inthe writing side is completed. When writing of a color image signal intothe frame memory in the writing side is completed, while the same colorimage signal is repeatedly read out from the same frame memory, thecontrol unit 4077 switches the switching circuits 4080 and 4081. Thissolves such a problem that the subsequent color image signal cannot befed to the exposing liquid crystal display unit 4043.

In this manner, even in the event that an operating frequency of anentered color image signal is different from that of the exposing liquidcrystal display unit 4043, the operating frequency conversion circuit4074 can surely converts the operating frequency of an entered colorimage signal into the same frequency as the operating frequency of theexposing liquid crystal display unit 4043, thereby preventing anoccurrence of a disturbance of an image due to the frequency shift onthe exposing liquid crystal display unit 4043.

The color image signal read out from the operating frequency conversioncircuit 4074 is fed to the display control unit 4075. The displaycontrol unit 4075 separates a color image signal to color image signalsassociated with three primary colors of R, G, and B, and sequentiallyoutputs those signals. Each of the color image signals outputted fromthe display control unit 4075 is converted into an analog image signalby the D/A converter 4076 and then fed to the exposing liquid crystaldisplay unit 4043. The display control unit 4075 feeds also to theexposing liquid crystal display unit 4043 a control signal to drive theLED unit 4049.

As shown in FIG. 80, the display control unit 4075 sequentially forms onthe liquid crystal panel 4046 of the exposing liquid crystal displayunit 4043 at time t1 intervals a frame image for red-association, aframe image for green-association, and a frame image forblue-association, which are associated with each of the color imagesignals. Further, the display control unit 4075 drives the LED unit 4049to sequentially turn on the LED's 4053, 4054 and 4055 in synchronismwith the formation of the respective colors of frame images onto theliquid crystal panel 4046.

When an operating time T, which is necessary for display of a frameimage for red-association, a frame image for green-association, and aframe image for blue-association onto the liquid crystal panel 4046, andturn on of the LED's 4053, 4054 and 4055, is expressed by one cycle, theoperating time of one cycle is not more than 1/16 sec. Thus, a displayof full color is performed with one pixel of the liquid crystal panel4046 by after-image phenomenon of display of these frame images andflashing of the LED's 4053, 4054 and 4055. On the exposing liquidcrystal display unit 4043, the same frame image is repeatedly formeduntil a predetermined time elapses.

An image displayed on the exposing liquid crystal display unit 4043 isprojected by the imaging lens 4044 with expansion onto the sensitivesurface 4027 a of the film unit 4027. Thus, the image displayed on theexposing liquid crystal display unit 4043 is properly exposed on thefilm unit 4027.

It is acceptable that an exposure time by the exposing liquid crystaldisplay unit 4043 is automatically controlled in accordance withsensitivity of the film unit 4027 and density of image data, oralternatively a user sets up. Further, it is also acceptable thatinstead of control of the exposure time, a drive current of drivingLED's 4053, 4054 and 4055 of the LED unit 4049 is controlled to controlan amount of light of the LED's 4053, 4054 and 4055 per se.

On the sensitive surface 4027 a of the film unit 4027, an image, whichis reversed in the top and bottom and the right and left with respect toan image displayed on the exposing liquid crystal display unit 4043, isexposed. However, an image is observed from the opposite side of thesensitive surface 4027 a of the film unit 4027. Thus, an image to beobserved is the same image as that displayed on the exposing liquidcrystal display unit 4043.

When the exposure on the film unit 4027 is terminated, the systemcontroller 4058 enables the driving motor 4036 by a motor driver 4090.The driving motor 4036, as shown in FIG. 76, drives the film transportmechanism 4035 and the developing roller pair 4037 as well.

In the film transport mechanism 4035, the claw member transports thefilm unit 4027 upwards through the delivery outlet 4040 provided on thetop of the case 4026 in such a manner that the claw member enters agroove 4039 formed in the front of the case 4026, and moves upwardswhile dipping up the lower end of the film unit 4027 located in thefront row within the case 4026. The film unit 4027 transported from thecase 4026 is fed between the developing rollers 4037.

The developing rollers 4037 are also driven by the driving motor 4036 torotate in mutually different directions so that the film unit 4027 issandwiched between the developing rollers 4037 and is conveyed to adischarge outlet 4004 located upwards. The developing rollers 4037 areenergized by springs and spacers (not illustrated) to make an approachto one another maintaining regular intervals so as to sandwich the filmunit 4027 with strong power. Thus, the developer pot 4027 b of the filmunit 4027 is exploded so that developer flows into a sensitive layerinside the sensitive surface 4027 a. The developing rollers 4037uniformly spreads developer on the sensitive layer inside the sensitivesurface 4027 a, and discharges the film unit 4027 through the dischargeoutlet 4004. The discharged film unit 4027 can be observed in the formof a positive image after a predetermined time for developing andtransfer processing on the film unit.

While a positive image formed on the observing surface of the film unit4027 according to the first embodiment is an image which is reversedwith respect to the top and bottom direction, reversing an image to bedisplayed on the exposing liquid crystal display unit 4043 with respectto the top and bottom direction makes it possible to form a positiveimage formed on the observing surface of the film unit 4027 in the formof an erect image. This is implemented by providing an image attitudecorrection function for correcting an attitude of an image for the imagedata processing circuit 4067. In case of the present embodiment, it iseffective that a reversing processing as to the top and bottom directionis applied to only an image to be transmitted to the interface circuit4073.

According to the present embodiment, while the transmission film unithas been described by way of example, it is possible to use a mirrorimage type of film unit in which a positive image is formed on anexposure surface for observation. In this case, when an erect image isdisplayed on the exposing liquid crystal display unit, an image formedon the observing surface of the mirror image type of film unit is animage which is reversed with respect to the top and bottom direction andright and left direction. However, as mentioned above, by providing animage attitude correction function for the image data processing circuitand displaying a reverse image on the exposing liquid crystal displayunit, it is possible to obtain a positive image in the form of an erectimage also in the mirror image type of film unit.

Incidentally, according to the first embodiment of a printer asmentioned above, the exposing liquid crystal display unit 4043 and theimaging lens 4044 are disposed in such a manner that they are opposingagainst the film units 4027 to provide a linear exposing optical path.However, the use of a reflecting mirror to bend the exposing opticalpath makes it possible to implement a compactness of a printer in itsentirety. Hereinafter, there will be described a second embodiment of aprinter according to the present invention in which two reflectingmirrors are used to provide a Z-like shaped exposing optical path. Inthe following figures, the same parts are denoted by the same referencenumbers as those of the figures referred to the first embodiment of aprinter, and the redundant description will be omitted.

FIG. 82 is a perspective view showing appearance of a second embodimentof a printer according to the present invention looking from the frontside. Similar to the first embodiment of the printer 4002, a printer4092 has a projecting member 4093 in the front of the printer 4092.Inside the projecting member 4093, there is provided an exposing opticalpath extending from the exposing liquid crystal display unit 4043 to thefilm units 4027. Here, two reflecting mirrors are used to bend theexposing optical path. Thus, the projecting member 4093 is small inprojecting amount as compared with the printer 4002 of the firstembodiment.

FIG. 83 is a sectional view of the second embodiment of the printeraccording to the present invention. Inside the projecting member 4093,there are incorporated an exposing liquid crystal display unit 4043, afirst reflecting mirror 4095, an exposing optical system 4096 comprisinga plurality of lenses and a lens barrel, and a second reflecting mirror4097. An image displayed on the exposing liquid crystal display unit4043 is reflected on the first reflecting mirror 4095 and is incidentonto the exposing optical system 4096. The exposing optical system 4096projects the incident light onto the second reflecting mirror 4097 withexpansion. Beams of light incident onto the second reflecting mirror4097 are imaged on the sensitive surface 4027 a of the film unit 4027,and exposes a photosensitive layer inside the sensitive surface 4027 a.

In this manner, by providing a Z-like shaped optical path, it ispossible to reduce a size of the printer 4092 with respect to a frontand back direction as compared with the printer 4002 using the linearexposing optical path, thereby implementing compactness and weightsaving of the printer.

Incidentally, according to the Z-like shaped optical path, an imagedisplayed on the exposing liquid crystal display unit 4043 is exposed onthe film unit 4027 in a state that the image is reversed with respect tothe top and bottom direction and the right and left direction. However,the film unit 4027 is observed from the opposite side of the sensitivesurface 4027 a. Thus, it is effective that an erect image is displayedon the exposing liquid crystal display unit 4043.

By providing an image attitude correction function for the image dataprocessing circuit and displaying a reverse image on the exposing liquidcrystal display unit, it is possible to form a positive image in theform of an erect image on the observing surface of the film unit 4027.

Also in the printer 4092 of the present embodiment, it is possible touse a mirror image type of film unit. In this case, by displaying areverse image, which is reversed in the top and bottom direction and theright and left direction, on the exposing liquid crystal display unit,it is possible to obtain a positive image in the form of an erect imagealso in the mirror image type of film unit.

As shown in FIGS. 84 and 85, it is possible to provide a L-like shapedexposing optical path using one reflecting mirror. Hereinafter, therewill be described a third embodiment of a printer according to thepresent invention. In the following figures, the same parts are denotedby the same reference numbers as those of the figures referred to thefirst and second embodiments of a printer, and the redundant descriptionwill be omitted.

FIG. 84 is a perspective view showing appearance of a third embodimentof a printer according to the present invention looking from the frontside. Similar to the first and second embodiments of the printer, aprinter 4099 has a projecting member 4100 in the front of the printer4099. Inside the projecting member 4100, there is provided an exposingoptical path extending from the exposing liquid crystal display unit4043 to the film units 4027. Here, one reflecting mirror is used to bendthe exposing optical path. Thus, the projecting member 4100 is small inprojecting amount as compared with the printers of the first and secondembodiments.

FIG. 85 is a sectional view of the second embodiment of the printer 4099according to the present invention. Inside the projecting member 4100,there are incorporated an exposing liquid crystal display unit 4043, anexposing optical system 4102 comprising a plurality of lenses and a lensbarrel, and a reflecting mirror 4103. An image displayed on the exposingliquid crystal display unit 4043 is incident onto the exposing opticalsystem 4102. Beams of light emitted from the exposing optical system4102 are reflected on the reflecting mirror 4103 and are imaged on thesensitive surface 4027 a of the film unit 4027, and exposes aphotosensitive layer inside the sensitive surface 4027 a.

In this manner, by providing a L-like shaped optical path, it ispossible to reduce a size of the printer 4099 with respect to a frontand back direction as compared with the printer 4002 using the linearexposing optical path, and the printer 4092 using the Z-like shapedoptical path, thereby providing compactness and weight saving of theprinter.

Incidentally, according to the L-like shaped optical path, an imagedisplayed on the exposing liquid crystal display unit 4043 is exposed onthe sensitive surface 4027 a of the film unit 4027 in a state that theimage is reversed with respect to the top and bottom direction. For thisreason, according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 86,between image data processing circuit 4067 and the interface circuit4073, there is provided an image attitude correction circuit 4105 forreversing image data with respect to the right and left direction. Inthis manner, a positive image, which is reversed with respect to the topand bottom direction, is formed on the film unit 4027. Regarding thereverse of the film unit 4027 as to the top and bottom direction, thereis no need to correct it by the image attitude correction circuit 4105,since there is no problem if the film unit 4027 is inverted whenobserved.

By inverting an image to be displayed on the exposing liquid crystaldisplay unit 4043 with respect to the top and bottom direction and theright and left direction by the image attitude correction circuit 4105,it is possible to form a positive image in the form of an erect image onthe observing plane of the film unit 4027.

Further, also in the printer 4099 of the present embodiment, it ispossible to use a mirror image type of film unit. In this case, bydisplaying a reverse image, which is reversed in the top and bottomdirection, on the exposing liquid crystal display unit 4043, it ispossible to obtain a positive image in the form of an erect image alsoin the mirror image type of film unit.

It is possible to provide a compactness of a printer using a linearexposing optical path too. Hereinafter, there will be described a fourthembodiment of a printer according to the present invention in which anexposing liquid crystal display unit and an exposing optical system aremovable to sink and rise in and from the printer. In the followingfigures, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numbers asthose of the figures referred to the first embodiment of a printer, andthe redundant description will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 87, in the front of a printer 4107, there is providedan exposure unit 4108 which is movable to sink and rise in and from theprinter 4107 in accordance with the using state. The exposure unit 4108comprises a box-like shaped inner holder section 4109 and an outerholding member 4110 for holding the inner holder section 4109. As shownin FIG. 88, into the inner holder section 4109 of the exposure unit4108, there are incorporated the exposing liquid crystal display unit4043 and an imaging lens 4112 as an exposing optical system in which animage displayed on the exposing liquid crystal display unit 4043 isprojected with expansion onto the sensitive surface 4027 a of the filmunit 4027.

When the printer 4107 is not used, as shown in FIGS. 87 and 88, theexposure unit 4108 sinks in the printer 4107. Thus, it is possible toimplement a compactness of the printer 4107, and thereby improving aportability of the printer 4107. When the printer 4107 is used, as shownin FIGS. 89 and 90, the inner holder section 4109 and the outer holdingmember 4110 of the exposure unit 4108 rise in the front of the printer4107. The sink and rise of the inner holder section 4109 and the outerholding member 4110 of the exposure unit 4108 is performed by the use ofa cam, a link mechanism, a solenoid, etc.

When the exposure unit 4108 rises in the front of the printer 4107, theimaging lens 4112 may image an image displayed on the exposing liquidcrystal display unit 4043 onto the sensitive surface 4027 a of the filmunit 4027 through an expansion projection. According to the printer 4107of the present embodiment, in a similar fashion to that of the printer4002 of the first embodiment, an erect image is displayed on theexposing liquid crystal display unit 4043, so that a positive image canbe formed on the film unit 4043 in the form of an erect image. Further,according to the printer 4107 of the present embodiment, in a similarfashion to that of the printer 4002 of the first embodiment, it is alsopossible to use a mirror image type of film unit. It is acceptable thatcylindrical inner and outer holding members are used, and as in a zoomlens, a helicoid gear is used to sink and rise the exposing unit.

According to the above-mentioned various embodiments related to aprinter, as the observing liquid crystal display unit, there is used aconventional type of liquid crystal display unit which is different fromthe exposing liquid crystal display unit in a display scheme. It isnoted, however, that as the observing liquid crystal display unit, thesame type of one as the exposing liquid crystal display unit can beused. Hereinafter, there will be described a fifth embodiment of aprinter according to the present invention in which as the observingliquid crystal display unit, the same type of one as the exposing liquidcrystal display unit is used. In the following figures, the same partsare denoted by the same reference numbers as those of the figuresreferred to the first embodiment of a printer, and the redundantdescription will be omitted.

FIG. 91 is a perspective view showing appearance of a fifth embodimentof a printer 4115 according to the present invention looking from theback side. The printer 4115 has, similar to the printer 4002 shown inFIGS. 73 and 74, a linear exposing optical path. And thus, anexplanation of the exposing optical path will be omitted. In the back ofthe printer 4115, upwards a back cover 4116, there is formed an eyepiecewindow 4117 for observing an image for printing.

As shown in FIG. 92, into the eyepiece window 4117, there areincorporated an observing liquid crystal display unit 4118 which is thesame type of one as the exposing liquid crystal display unit 4043 shownin FIG. 78, and a magnifying lens 4119 for magnifying an image displayedon the observing liquid crystal display unit 4118. As shown in FIG. 93,the observing liquid crystal display unit 4118 is connected to theinterface circuit 4073 in parallel with the exposing liquid crystaldisplay unit 4043. Thus, the observing liquid crystal display unit 4118and the exposing liquid crystal display unit 4043 display the sameimage.

An image displayed on the observing liquid crystal display unit 4118 ismagnified by the magnifying lens 4119, and emitted from the eyepiecewindow 4117. In order to see the image on the observing liquid crystaldisplay unit 4118, an observer looks through the eyepiece window 4117with his single eye. This brings about such an advantage that the imageis prevented from being seen by another person. Further, according tothe print of the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce a powerdissipation as compared with the liquid crystal display using the backlight used in the above-mentioned various types of embodiments, therebyimproving the function as a portable type of printer driven by abattery.

As the magnifying lens 4119 for magnifying an image displayed on theobserving liquid crystal display unit 4118 and emitting the same fromthe eyepiece window 4117, as shown in FIG. 94, Galilean optical system4123 comprising

lens 4121 and

lens 4122 can be used. The use of the Galilean optical system 4123 makesit possible to perform an image display at higher ratio ofmagnification. In the event that an image display is performed atfurther higher ratio of magnification, as shown in FIG. 95, it isacceptable to use Keplerian optical system 4128 comprising an objectivelens 4125, an intermediate lens 4126 and an eyepiece lens 4127.

Further, the observing liquid crystal display unit 4118 can be used inthe printer having a Z-like shaped exposing optical path, the printerhaving an L-like shaped exposing optical path, the printer having a sinktype of exposing unit, and the printer using a mirror image type of filmunit, which have been explained above as to the various types ofembodiments of a printer. However, in the printer having an L-likeshaped exposing optical path and the printer using a mirror image typeof film unit, an image displayed on the exposing liquid crystal displayunit 4043 is not an erect image. For this reason, there is a need forthese printers to invert the image by an image attitude correctioncircuit only at the time of printing or to use inherent interfacecircuits for the observing liquid crystal display unit 4118 and theexposing liquid crystal display unit 4043.

According to the observing liquid crystal display unit 4118 and theexposing liquid crystal display unit 4043, which have been explainedabove as to the various types of embodiments of a printer, as shown inFIG. 77, the diffusing plate 4047 and the light amplifying plate 4048are disposed between the liquid crystal panel 4046 and the LED unit4049. It is acceptable, however, that as in a liquid crystal displayunit 4130 shown in FIG. 96, a diffusing plate 4131 is mounted on acircuit substrate 4133 of an LED unit 4132, LED's 4134, 4135 and 4136for three primary colors are disposed at the side of the diffusing plate4131 so that beams of light are radiated into the diffusing plate 4131.According to this arrangement, it is possible to thin a thickness sizein a front and back direction of a cover member 4139 in which the LEDunit 4132 and a liquid crystal panel 4137 are accommodated, and on whicha protection cover 4138 is mounted, and thereby contributing tocompactness and weight saving of the printer.

According to the various types of embodiments of a printer as mentionedabove, while there is provided an observing liquid crystal display unit,it is acceptable for a printer, such as a stationary printer, which isoften used through a connection with an external monitor, to provide noobserving liquid crystal display unit.

Display of the respective frame images to the liquid crystal panel ofthe exposing liquid crystal display unit and flashing of the respectiveLED's are performed in operating time and timing in which a color imageis displayed through human eyes. However, at the time of exposure, it isacceptable that the turn-on time of the LED's is relatively extended sothat an exposure is controlled by display of the respective LED's.Alternatively, a quantity of light of each of the respective LED's isincreased per se by increasing a driving current for driving theassociated LED, so that an exposure is controlled. This makes itpossible to increase an exposure, and thereby reducing an exposure timeand providing an optimum exposure for a sensitivity of a film.

Further, According to the various types of embodiments of a printer asmentioned above, while a film unit is discharged from the top of aprinter, it is acceptable that a film unit is discharged from the bottomof a printer. Further, while a printer is arranged on a vertical basis,it is acceptable that a printer is arranged on a horizontal basis. Inthis case, it is acceptable that a film unit is discharged from a sideof a printer.

According to the above-mentioned embodiments, while the transmissioninstant film unit has been described by way of example, it is possibleto use a mirror image type of instant film unit. In this case, byaltering an optical path or correcting attitude of an image displayed onthe exposing liquid crystal display unit by the image attitudecorrection means, a positive image is formed in the form of an erectimage on the film unit.

It is acceptable to use both the transmission film unit and the mirrorimage type of film unit. In this case, it is effective that the imageattitude correction circuit corrects attitude of an image displayed onthe exposing liquid crystal display unit in accordance with a type of afilm unit setting. With respect to a discrimination of the film type, itis either acceptable that a user instructs it or a printer discriminatesit.

A sensitive material to be used as a recording material is notrestricted to the instant film unit, and it is acceptable to use ageneral photographic film such as 135 type, 120 type, and a silver salttype of sheet film, and the like.

While the image attitude correction circuit is additionally provided, itis acceptable to correct attitude of an image by the image dataprocessing circuit.

While it has been described that the LED's are turned on in the order ofred, green and blue, this order is not restricted. It is acceptable tointerchange the order, for example, to blue, green and red.

While a memory card is used as an external storage medium for inputtingimage data, it is acceptable to use a floppy disk, and a removable mediasuch as a magneto-optic disc, and a CD-ROM.

It is acceptable that a image taking lens and an image sensing deviceare incorporated so that a dynamic image and a still image can bephotographed, and the photographed image can be immediately printed.

FIG. 98 is a perspective view showing appearance of a first embodimentof a printer according to the present invention looking from the frontside. A printer 5002 is a portable type of printer and is able to bedriven by an internal battery as well as an AC power source. As arecording material for the printer 5002, a mono-sheet type of instantprint film unit (referred to as a film unit) is used.

On the top of the printer 5002, there are provided a slit-like shapeddischarge outlet 5004 through which a film unit after printed isdischarged, a push button type of print switch 5005 for instructing aprinting operation of the printer 5002, and an antenna 5006 useful forreceiving image data transmitted from an external equipment andtransmitting image data to the external equipment.

In the front of the printer 5002, there is formed a projecting member5008 inside which an optical path for image exposure to the film unit isprovided. On an inclined upper portion of the projecting member 5008,there is provided an observation window 5009 capable of observing animage to be printed. An observing screen 5010, on which an image isdisplayed, is set into the observation window 5009.

On the end of the projecting member 5008, there is rotatably mounted aselection lever 5011 constituting an optical path selecting means forswitching between an observing optical path for projecting an image ontothe observing screen 5010 and an exposing optical path for exposing animage on a film unit. The selection lever 5011 performs not only aswitching for optical path, but also a switching between an imageobservation mode for observing an image at the time of print and a printmode for printing. FIG. 98 shows a state that the printer 5002 is in theimage observation mode. When the selection lever 5011 rotates to meet anindicator 5012, the observing optical path is selected, and also anoperation of the printer 5002 is switched to the image observation mode.Incidentally, a position of the selection lever 5011 is detected by adetection sensor which will be described later, and is utilized for acontrol of the printer 5002.

On one side of the printer 5002, there are provided a memory slot 5015through which a memory card 5014 (cf. FIG. 103) to be used as a datarecording medium is inserted, an external output terminal 5016 foroutputting information of an image to be printed to a display equipmentsuch as an external monitor and the like,

an external connection terminal 5017 to which an external equipment isto be connected, and an ISDN connection terminal 5018 for communicationof image data via an ISDN line.

FIG. 99 is a perspective view showing appearance of the first embodimentof the printer according to the present invention looking from the backside. On the back of the printer 5002, there are provided a back cover5021, which is movable on a hinge portion 5020 (cf. FIG. 97) so as to beopened, and a release knob 5022 for releasing a lock when the back cover5021 is opened. Inside the printer 5002, there is provided a packchamber onto which a film pack accommodating a film units is loaded. Theback cover 5021 serves to open and close the pack chamber. On one sideof the back cover 5021, there are disposed a power switch 5023 of theprinter 5002, and an operation panel 5024 on which various types ofswitches are provided.

FIG. 97 is a sectional view of the first embodiment of a printeraccording to the present invention. As mentioned above, on the backinside the printer 5002, there is provided a pack chamber 5027 ontowhich a film pack 5026 is loaded. The film pack 5026 is one in which aplurality of film units 5029 are accommodated on a stack basis in aplastic case 5028, and is the same as that used for the general instantcamera.

The film unit 5029 has a developer pot 5029 b including developer at theupper portion of a sensitive surface 5029 a and a trap member 5029 c forabsorbing residual of developer spread over the sensitive surface 5029 aat the lower portion of the sensitive surface 5029 a. After a latentimage is photochemically formed by exposing the sensitive surface 5029a, the developer pot 5029 b is exploded to pour developer into asensitive layer inside the sensitive surface 5029 a, thereby obtaining aprint photograph promptly. The film unit 5029 is a transmission filmunit in which an image is transferred through a reflection layer to areceiving layer opposed against the sensitive layer inside the sensitivesurface 5029 a to be subjected to exposure.

In the front of the case 5028, there is formed an exposure aperture 5031for exposing the sensitive surface 5029 a of the film unit 5029. In theback side of the case 5028, there are formed openings 5035 each foraccepting a film pressing member 5034 provided on an inner wall of theback cover 5021. The film pressing member 5034 pushes the film unit 5029accommodated in the case 5028 against the inner wall in the front ofcase 5028 by pressing the film unit 5029 from the back so that evennessproperty is provided for the sensitive surface 5029 a, while it is notillustrated, the opening 5035 formed on the back of the case 5028 iscovered by a flexible shielding sheet, and the film pressing member 5034pushes the film unit 5029 through this shield sheet.

FIG. 100 is a sectional view schematically showing an internalarrangement of the printer 5002 according to the present invention. Thefilm pack 5026 is disposed at the substantial center within the printer5002. At the right of the film pack 5026, there are disposed a printsubstrate 5037 on which various types of circuits for controllingstructural elements of the printer 5002 are formed and theabove-mentioned various types of terminals are mounted, and a memorycard drive unit for driving the memory card 5014. At the left of thefilm pack 5026, there are disposed a film transport mechanism 5038 fortransporting the exposed film unit 5029 from the film pack 5026, thefilm transport mechanism 5038 serving also as developing means, and adriving motor 5039 for driving the film transport mechanism 5038. At thetop of the film pack 5026, there is disposed a developing roller pair5040 constituting the film transport mechanism 5038.

The film transport mechanism 5038 is used also in the general instantcamera. The film transport mechanism 5038 comprises: a claw member fortransporting the film unit 5029 upwards through a delivery outlet 5043provided on the top of the case 5028 in such a manner that the clawmember enters a groove 5042 formed in the front of the case 5028, andmoves upwards while dipping up the lower end of the film unit 5029located in the front row within the case 5028; a mechanism for drivingthe claw member; and the developing roller pair 5040.

The film unit 5029 transported from the case 5028 is fed between thedeveloping rollers 5040. The developing rollers 5040 are also driven bythe driving motor 5039 to rotate in mutually different directions sothat the film unit 5029 is sandwiched between the developing rollers5040 and is conveyed to a discharge outlet 4004 located upwards. Thedeveloping rollers 5040 are energized by springs and spacers (notillustrated) to make an approach to one another maintaining regularintervals so as to sandwich the film unit 5029 with strong power. Thus,the developer pot 5029 b of the film unit 5029 is exploded so thatdeveloper flows into a sensitive layer inside the sensitive surface 5029a. The developing rollers 5040 uniformly spreads developer on thesensitive layer inside the sensitive surface 5029 a, and discharges thefilm unit 5029 through the discharge outlet 5004.

As shown in FIG. 97, inside the projecting member 5008 provided in thefront of the printer 5002, there is formed a shading chamber 5045 whichlies in the front of the pack chamber 5027. A portion opposing againstan aperture 5032 on the inner wall of the projecting member 5008 isformed with an inclined plane. On the inclined plane, there is mounted asecond reflecting mirror 5046 for reflecting a full color image forexposure on the sensitive surface 5029 a of the film unit 5029.

Above the second reflecting mirror 5046, there are disposed a liquidcrystal display unit 5048 for displaying an image to be exposed on thefilm unit 5029, a first reflecting mirror 5049 for reflecting an imageto be displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 5048, and an exposingoptical system 5050 in which an image reflected on the first reflectingmirror 5049 is magnified and projected. An image magnified and projectedby the exposing optical system 5050 is reflected on the secondreflecting mirror 5046 to expose a sensitive layer inside the sensitivesurface 5029 a of the film unit 5029. The exposing optical path isformed with a Z-like configuration by the two reflecting mirrors 5049and 5056. Thus, it is possible to miniaturize the printer.

As shown in FIG. 97, between the exposing optical system 5050 and thesecond reflecting mirror 5046, there is disposed a switching reflectingmirror 5052 which is rotatably mounted between a position wherein theexposing optical path between the exposing optical system 5050 and thesecond reflecting mirror 5046 is released, and as shown in FIG. 101, aposition wherein the exposing optical path between the exposing opticalsystem 5050 and the second reflecting mirror 5046 is closed and an imagedisplayed on the liquid crystal display unit 5048 is reflected towardthe back of an observing screen 5010. The switching reflecting mirror5052 constitutes optical path switching means together with theselection lever 5011 provided on the side of the projecting member 5008.

One end of the switching reflecting mirror 5052 is mounted on a rotaryshaft 5054 supported inside the printer 5002. The selection lever 5011provided outside the printer 5002 is mounted on one end of the rotaryshaft 5054. Thus, an operation of the selection lever 5011 makes itpossible to rotate the switching reflecting mirror 5052 between aposition forming the exposing optical path and a position forming theobserving optical path. While it is not illustrated in detail, in orderto prevent the switching reflecting mirror 5052 from being rotativelymoved unintentionally owing to a vibration of the printer 5002 forexample, there is a need to provide a mechanism for stopping theswitching reflecting mirror 5052 at the two positions. As such amechanism, it is either acceptable that the selection lever 5011 islocked at the two positions per, or alternatively that the rotary shaft5054 and the switching reflecting mirror 5052 are stopped at theassociated positions, respectively.

The exposing optical system 5050 comprises three imaging lenses 5056, alens barrel 5057 for holding those three imaging lenses 5056. Theexposing optical system 5050 is disposed at the place where the exposingoptical path and the observing optical path are overlapping. Theexposing optical system 5050 is used also when the an image of theliquid crystal display unit 5048, which is reflected on the firstreflecting mirror 5049, is magnified, and is projected to the sensitivesurface 5029 a of the film unit 5029 and the observing screen 5010, andthus serves as the observing optical system.

A length from the exposing optical system 5050 to the sensitive surface5029 a of the film unit 5029 is different from a length from theexposing optical system 5050 to the observing screen 5010. For thisreason, there is provided such an arrangement that the exposing opticalsystem 5050 is movable along the optical path between the firstreflecting mirror 5049 and the second reflecting mirror 5046, so that afocus is switched between a case of imaging on the film unit 5029 and acase of imaging on the observing screen 5010. The exposing opticalsystem 5050 is translated by a focus selection mechanism 5058 (cf. FIG.103) which operates together with a rotative movement of the switchingreflecting mirror 5052. As the focus selection mechanism 5058, it ispossible to use, for example, a cam and a link mechanism, which operatestogether with a rotative movement of the rotary shaft 5054.

FIG. 102 is an exploded perspective view of the liquid crystal displayunit 5048. The liquid crystal display unit 5048 comprises: atransmission matrix drive type of liquid crystal panel 5060; a diffusingplate 5061 and a light amplifying plate 5062 which are disposed at theback of the liquid crystal panel 5060; an LED unit 5063, as a lightsource, disposed at the back of the diffusing plate 5061 and a lightamplifying plate 5062; a cover member 5064 for accommodating thoseelements; and a transparent protection cover 5065 for protecting theliquid crystal panel 5060 and also for closing the cover member 5064.

On the liquid crystal panel 5060, a number of pixels (for example,length 240 pixels×breadth 320 pixels=total 76,800 pixels) are arrangedon a two-dimensional basis. The liquid crystal panel 5060 per se has nocoloring matter, and the whole pixels are used to form an image. The LEDunit 5063 comprises a circuit substrate 5069 on which LED's 5066, 5067and 5068, which emit beams of light of red (R), green(G) and blue(B),respectively, are mounted.

The liquid crystal display unit 5048 sequentially displays images, whichare obtained by color separation of a color image for three primarycolors, on the liquid crystal panel 5060 at regular intervals, and insynchronism with this, sequentially turns on the LED's 5066, 5067 and5068 for three primary colors provided on the LED unit 5063. Thus, it ispossible to observe a color image by after-image phenomenon of displayof the frame images and flashing of the LED's 5066, 5067 and 5068.According to the liquid crystal display unit 5048, a color display canbe performed by one pixel of the liquid crystal panel 5060. This featuremakes it possible to display an enhanced color image with a compactness.Further, power dissipation is extremely small as compared with theconventional liquid crystal display unit. Thus, it is possible toreadily apply this printer to a portable printer which will be driven bya battery.

On the liquid crystal display unit 5048, an color image is displayed inthe form of an erect image with respect to both the top and bottom andthe right and left. Accordingly, onto the back of the observing screen5010, an image, which is reversed with respect to the right and left isprojected. However, an image is observed from the opposite side of theprojecting plane. Thus, an image to be observed is the same image asthat displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 5048. Further, on thesensitive surface 5029 a of the film unit 5029, an image, which isreversed in the top and bottom and the right and left, is exposed.However, an image is observed from the opposite side of the sensitivesurface 5029 a of the film unit 5029. Thus, an image formed on the filmunit 5029 is the same image as that displayed on the liquid crystaldisplay unit 5048. In this manner, when the liquid crystal display unit5048 is used both as an exposing liquid crystal display unit and anobserving liquid crystal display unit, this contributes to the cost downof the printer.

FIG. 103 is a block diagram showing an electric structure of the firstembodiment of the printer according to the present invention. Theprinter 5002 is controlled by a system controller 5070 including amicrocomputer and the like. The system controller 5070 receives via theI/O port various types of signals from an operation panel 5024, anexternal connection terminals 5017, a receive-transmit circuit 5072 forreceiving and transmitting image data via an antenna 5006, an ISDNreceive-transmit circuit 5073 for receiving and transmitting image datavia an ISDN terminal 5018, and an infrared receive-transmit circuit 5074for receiving and transmitting image data in the form of infrared via alight receiving and emitting unit 5074 a. Further, the system controller5070 monitors signals inputted to perform a processing in accordancewith an input signal.

An EEPROM 5070 connected to the system controller 5070 stores thereinbeforehand a sequence program of operating the printer 5002 inaccordance with a predetermined sequence, and various control data to bereferred to when the sequence program is executed. A decoration datamemory 5076 stores therein a frame to be compounded with image dataentered, a message, a character mark, etc.

As a memory card 5014, a DRAM (dynamic random access memory) is used,and stores therein image data through an electronic still camera, apersonal computer, etc. The memory card 5014 inserted into the memoryslot 5015 is set to a memory card drive unit 5032. The system controller5070 reads out image data recorded in the memory card 5014 via thememory card drive unit 5032, and writes into the memory card 5014composite image data in which image data and decoration data such as aframe surrounding the image data and a message are synthesized.

Image data read out from the memory card 5014 is fed to an image dataprocessing circuit 5078. Upon receipt of the image data, the image dataprocessing circuit 5078 performs a signal processing such as a whitebalance control and a gamma correction for the received image data. Whenthe decoration data is selected, the image data processing circuit 5078performs an image composition of image data and decoration data. Theprocessed image data is converted into a video signal associated with acomposite signal of an NTSC system, and then fed via a D/A converter5081 and an amplifier 5082 to an external output terminal 5016 for avideo signal. Thus, it is possible to observe an image through anexternal monitor connected to the external output terminal 5016.

Further, in a route other than that for the video signal, the processedimage data is converted into an electric color image signal and then fedto an interface circuit 5080. The interface circuit 5080 comprises anoperating frequency conversion circuit 5084, a display control unit5085, and an D/A converter 5086. A color image signal is first fed tothe operating frequency conversion circuit 5084. As shown in FIG. 104,the operating frequency conversion circuit 5084 comprises two framememories 5087 and 5088, a control unit 5089, and four switch circuits5090, 5091, 5092 and 5093.

A terminal 5095 of the operating frequency conversion circuit 5084receives a color image signal SGNL 1 representative of a frame of colorimage data in synchronism with a clock CLK1 which is fed to a terminal5096. The color image signal SGNL1 is stored in a frame memory 5087 or aframe memory 5088 in accordance with a selection state of switchingcircuits 5090 and 5091. The control unit 5089 monitors the clock CLK1,and switches the switching circuits 5090 and 5091 whenever a frame ofcolor image signal is completely stored in one of the frame memories5087 and 5088. Each of the switching circuits 5090 and 5091 has aneutral point which is not connected to any of the frame memories 5087and 5088. The neutral points are used in accordance with a differencebetween operating frequencies in the writing end and the reading end.

On the other hand, in the event that color images are read out from theframe memories 5087 and 5088, the color image are read out in the formof a color image signal SGNL2 through a terminal 5098 in synchronismwith a clock CLK2 which is fed to a terminal 5097. Also at that time,control unit 5089 monitors the clock CLK2, and switches the switchingcircuits 5092 and 5093 when a color image signal is completely read outfrom one of the frame memories 5087 and 5088, so that a color imagesignal is read out from another frame memory. The clock CLK2synchronizes with the operating frequency of the liquid crystal displayunit 5048, so that the color image signal SGNL2 derived from theoperating frequency conversion circuit 5084 drives the liquid crystaldisplay unit 5048 in synchronism with the same.

In the event that the clock CLK1 and the clock CLK2 are equal to oneanother in frequency, it is possible to read and write color imagesignals from and in the frame memories 5087 and 5088 on an equivalenttiming basis. However, in the event that the clock CLK1 and the clockCLK2 are not equal to one another in frequency, various problems willoccur. For example, in the event that the frequency of the clock CLK1 ishigher than the clock CLK2, read out of a color image signal from aframe memory becomes later as compared with writing of a color imagesignal into a frame memory. This involves such a problem that asubsequent frame of color image signal cannot be written into a framememory.

In the event that the frequency of the clock CLK1 is lower than theclock CLK2, read out of a color image signal from a frame memory becomesfaster as compared with writing of a color image signal into a framememory. In this case, it is impossible to feed the subsequent colorimage signal to the liquid crystal display unit 5048. These problems canbe solved by changing the switching timing of the switching circuits5090, 5091, 5092 and 5093, as will be described hereinafter.

In the event that the frequency of the clock CLK1 is higher than theclock CLK2, the switching circuits 5090 and 5091 are switched to theneutral points which are not connected to any of the frame memories 5087and 5088, so that a color image signal is inhibited from being writteninto a frame memory until read out of a color image signal of either oneof the frame memories 5087 and 5088 is completed.

In the event that the frequency of the clock CLK1 is lower than theclock CLK2, the control unit 5089 does not perform switching for theswitching circuits 5092 and 5093 until writing into a frame memory inthe writing side is completed. When writing of a color image signal intothe frame memory in the writing side is completed, while the same colorimage signal is repeatedly read out from the same frame memory, thecontrol unit 5089 switches the switching circuits 5092 and 5093.

In this manner, even in the event that an operating frequency of anentered color image signal is different from that of the liquid crystaldisplay unit 5048, the operating frequency conversion circuit 5084 cansurely converts the operating frequency of an entered color image signalinto the same frequency as the operating frequency of the liquid crystaldisplay unit 5048, thereby preventing an occurrence of a disturbance ofan image due to the frequency shift on the liquid crystal display unit5048.

The color image signal read out from the operating frequency conversioncircuit 5084 is fed to the display control unit 5085. The displaycontrol unit 5085 separates a color image signal to color image signalsassociated with three primary colors of R, G, and B, and sequentiallyoutputs those signals. Each of the color image signals outputted fromthe display control unit 5085 is converted into an analog image signalby the D/A converter 5086 and then fed to the liquid crystal displayunit 5048. The display control unit 5085 feeds also to the liquidcrystal display unit 5048 a control signal to drive the LED unit 5063.

As shown in FIG. 105, the display control unit 5085 sequentially formson the liquid crystal panel 5060 of the liquid crystal display unit 5048at time t1 intervals a frame image for red-association, a frame imagefor green-association, and a frame image for blue-association, which areassociated with each of the color image signals. Further, the displaycontrol unit 5085 drives the LED unit 5063 to sequentially turn on theLED's 5066, 5067 and 5068 in synchronism with the formation of therespective colors of frame images onto the liquid crystal panel 5060.

When an operating time T, which is necessary for display of a frameimage for red-association, a frame image for green-association, and aframe image for blue-association onto the liquid crystal panel 5060, andturn on of the LED's 5066, 5067 and 5068, is expressed by one cycle, theoperating time of one cycle is not more than 1/16 sec. Thus, a displayof full color is performed with one pixel of the liquid crystal panel5060 by after-image phenomenon of display of these frame images andflashing of the LED's 5066, 5067 and 5068. Further, even if dynamicimage data is inputted, it is possible to expect a smooth movement of animage.

In the event that the image data to be inputted is a dynamic image, theimmediately subsequent frame image is inputted. On the other hand, incase of the still image, the same frame image is repeatedly fed to thedisplay control unit 5085 by the operating frequency conversion circuit5084 until an operation of switching an image is implemented, or until atime according to the set up content of the automatic image transportfunction elapses. Thus, a still image is continuously displayed on theliquid crystal display unit 5048.

The system controller 5070 receives a detection signal from a detectionsensor 5100 which detects that the selection lever 5011 is located atthe position indicating the image observation mode. When the selectionlever 5011 is located at the position indicating the print mode, thesystem controller 5070 inhibits image data read out from the memory card5014 from being displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 5048. Inthe event that an image is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit5048, when a mode is switched from the image observing mode to the printmode, a display of the liquid crystal display unit 5048 is stopped. Thisfeature makes it possible to prevent that an exposure is unintentionallyperformed on the film unit 5029.

Further, in the event that the selection lever 5011 is located at theposition indicating the image observation mode, when the print switch5005 is operated, the system controller 5070 holds the printinstruction, so that printing on the film unit 5029 is performed when amode is switched by the selection lever 5011 to the print mode.

When the print switch 5005 is operated, the system controller 5070receives a print signal via an I/O port 5071. The system controller 5070enables the shutter circuit 5102 in accordance with the print signal.The shutter circuit 5102 controls the interface circuit 5080 so that theliquid crystal display unit 5048 serves as a shutter, and specifically,causes the liquid crystal display unit 5048 to display a full colorimage thereon by a predetermined time so that an exposure on the filmunit 5029 is effected. It is acceptable that an exposure time isautomatically controlled in accordance with sensitivity of the film unit5029 and density of image data, or alternatively a user sets up.

When the exposure on the film unit 5029 is terminated, the systemcontroller 5070 enables the driving motor 5039 via a motor driver 5104.Thus, the film transport mechanism 5038 operates, so that the clawmember transports the film unit 5029 upwards through the delivery outlet5043 provided on the top of the case 5028 in such a manner that the clawmember enters the groove 5042 formed in the front of the film pack 5026,and moves upwards while dipping up the lower end of the film unit 5029located in the front row within the case 5028.

The developing rollers 5040 are also driven by the driving motor 5039 torotate in mutually different directions so that the film unit 5029 issandwiched between the developing rollers 5040 and is conveyed to adischarge outlet 4004 located upwards. At that time, the developer pot5029 b of the film unit 5029 is exploded so that developer flows into asensitive layer inside the sensitive surface 5029 a. The developingrollers 5040 uniformly spreads developer on the sensitive layer insidethe sensitive surface 5029 a. Thus, a positive image is formed on thefilm unit 5029.

Next, there will be explained an effect of the sixth embodiment of theprinter according to the present invention referring to FIG. 106.

When the printer 5002 is used, the power switch 5023 provided on theoperation panel 5024 is operated to turn on the power source of theprinter 5002. With respect to input ways of image data to the printer5002, there are prepared a plurality of input methods, for example, amethod in which image data is inputted through the memory card 5014 onwhich image data is recorded by an electronic still camera, a personalcomputer, etc.; a method in which the external connection terminal 5017and the ISDN connection terminal 5018 are utilized to directly inputimage data through the external equipment such as an electronic stillcamera, a video camera, a video deck, a personal computer, etc.; amethod in which the antenna 5006 is used to input image data through aradio wave from an external equipment; and a method in which image datais inputted through infrared by the light receiving and emitting unit5074 a. In the present embodiment, there will be explained by way ofexample the method in which image data is inputted through the memorycard 5014.

In the event that image data is inputted through the memory card 5014,the memory card 5014 is inserted into the memory slot 5015 in a statethat the power source of the printer 5002 is turned off, and then thepower source of the printer 5002 is turned on. The reason why this is todo so is that data of the memory card 5014 is prevented from beingdestroyed by a detachable insertion of the memory card 5014 in the statethat the power source of the printer 5002 is turned on. After turn on ofthe power source of the printer 5002, various switches of the operationpanel 5024 are operated to select and determine a method of inputtingimage data, and then the input of the image data is carried out.

As shown in FIG. 103, when an operation of inputting of image datathrough the operation panel 5024 is made, an operation signal is fed viathe I/O port 5071 to the system controller 5070. Upon receipt of theoperation signal from the I/O port 5071, the system controller 5070reads out image data from the memory card 5014 via the memory card driveunit 5032.

Image data read out from the memory card 5014 is fed to an image dataprocessing circuit 5078 by the system controller 5070. Upon receipt ofthe image data, the image data processing circuit 5078 performs a signalprocessing such as a white balance control and a gamma correction forthe received image data. The processed image data is converted into avideo signal associated with a composite signal of an NTSC system, andthen fed via a D/A converter 5081 and an amplifier 5082 to an externaloutput terminal 5016 for a video signal. Thus, it is possible to observean image through an external monitor connected to the external outputterminal 5016.

The system controller 5070 always discriminates a position of theselection lever 5011 in accordance with the detection signal of thedetection sensor 5100. Thus, in the event that the printer 5002 is setto the print mode at the time of input of image data, the systemcontroller 5070 inhibits image data from being displayed on the liquidcrystal display unit 5048, in order to prevent that an exposure isunintentionally performed on the film unit 5029. For this reason, when auser confirms that an image is not displayed on the liquid crystaldisplay unit 5048 by an observation through an observation window 5009,the user operates the selection lever 5011 to switch the printer 5002 tothe image observation mode. In the event that the printer 5002 is in theprint mode at the time of input of the image data, it is acceptable thatthis state is informed a user by light, sound, etc.

When the selection lever 5011 meets an indicator 5012 shown in FIG. 98,and the mode of the printer 5002 is switched to the image observationmode, the system controller 5070 receives a detection signal from thedetection sensor 5100. Upon receipt of the detection signal, the systemcontroller 5070 enables the image data processing circuit 5078 and theinterface circuit 5080.

In the event that the printer 5002 is in the image observation mode, thesystem controller 5070 causes the image data processing circuit 5078 toconvert image data into an electric color image signal and feed thesignal thus converted to the interface circuit 5080. A color imagesignal entered the interface circuit 5080 is fed to the operatingfrequency conversion circuit 5084.

As shown in FIG. 104, the terminal 5095 of the operating frequencyconversion circuit 5084 receives the color image signal SGNL1representative of a frame of color image data in synchronism with theclock CLK1 fed to the terminal 5096. The color image signal SGNL1 isstored in either of the frame memories 5087 and 5088 in accordance withthe switching state of the switching circuits 5090, 5091. The controlunit 5089 monitors the clock CLK1, and switches the switching circuits5090 and 5091 whenever a frame of color image signal is completelystored in one of the frame memories 5087 and 5088.

On the other hand, color images stored in the frame memories 5087 and5088 are read out in the form of a color image signal SGNL2 through aterminal 5098 in synchronism with a clock CLK2 which is fed to aterminal 5097. Also at that time, control unit 5089 monitors the clockCLK2, and switches the switching circuits 5092 and 5093 when a colorimage signal is completely read out from one of the frame memories 5087and 5088, so that a color image signal is read out from another framememory. The clock CLK2 synchronizes with the operating frequency of theliquid crystal display unit 5048, so that the color image signal SGNL2derived from the operating frequency conversion circuit 5084 drives theliquid crystal display unit 5048 in synchronism with the same.

In the event that the frequency of the clock CLK1 is higher than theclock CLK2, the switching circuits 5090 and 5091 are switched to theneutral points which are not connected to any of the frame memories 5087and 5088, so that a color image signal is inhibited from being writteninto a frame memory until read out of a color image signal of either oneof the frame memories 5087 and 5088 is completed. This solves such aproblem that a subsequent frame of color image signal cannot be writteninto a frame memory.

In the event that the frequency of the clock CLK1 is lower than theclock CLK2, the control unit 5089 does not perform switching for theswitching circuits 5092 and 5093 until writing into a frame memory inthe writing side is completed. When writing of a color image signal intothe frame memory in the writing side is completed, while the same colorimage signal is repeatedly read out from the same frame memory, thecontrol unit 5089 switches the switching circuits 5092 and 5093. Thissolves such a problem that the subsequent color image signal cannot befed to the liquid crystal display unit 5048.

In this manner, even in the event that an operating frequency of anentered color image signal is different from that of the liquid crystaldisplay unit 5048, the operating frequency conversion circuit 5084 cansurely converts the operating frequency of an entered color image signalinto the same frequency as the operating frequency of the liquid crystaldisplay unit 5048, thereby preventing an occurrence of a disturbance ofan image due to the frequency shift on the liquid crystal display unit5048.

The color image signal read out from the operating frequency conversioncircuit 5084 is fed to the display control unit 5085. The displaycontrol unit 5085 separates a color image signal to color image signalsassociated with three primary colors of R, G, and B, and sequentiallyoutputs those signals. Each of the color image signals outputted fromthe display control unit 5085 is converted into an analog image signalby the D/A converter 5086 and then fed to the liquid crystal displayunit 5048. The display control unit 5085 feeds also to the liquidcrystal display unit 5048 a control signal to drive the LED unit 5063.As shown in FIG. 105, the display control unit 5085 sequentially formson the liquid crystal panel 5060 of the liquid crystal display unit 5048at time t1 intervals a frame image for red-association, a frame imagefor green-association, and a frame image for blue-association, which areassociated with each of the color image signals. Further, the displaycontrol unit 5085 drives the LED unit 5063 to sequentially turn on theLED's 5066, 5067 and 5068 in synchronism with the formation of therespective colors of frame images onto the liquid crystal panel 5060.Thus, it looks like that a color image is formed on the liquid crystaldisplay unit 5048 by after-image phenomenon.

When an operating time T, which is necessary for display of a frameimage for red-association, a frame image for green-association, and aframe image for blue-association onto the liquid crystal panel 5060, andturn on of the LED's 5066, 5067 and 5068, is expressed by one cycle, theoperating time of one cycle is not more than 1/16 sec. Thus, a displayof full color is performed with one pixel of the liquid crystal panel5060 by after-image phenomenon of display of these frame images andflashing of the LED's 5066, 5067 and 5068. On the liquid crystal displayunit 5048, the same frame image is repeatedly formed until apredetermined time elapses.

In the event that the printer 5002 is set to the image observation mode,as shown in FIG. 101, the switching reflecting mirror 5052 is rotativelytranslated to a position to close the exposing optical path between thefirst reflecting mirror 5049 and the second reflecting mirror 5046.Thus, an image displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 5048 isincident onto the first reflecting mirror 5049 and reflected, and thenincident onto the exposing optical system 5050. An image transmittedthrough the exposing optical system 5050 is reflected on the switchingreflecting mirror 5052, and then is magnified and projected on the backof the observing screen 5010. An image displayed on the liquid crystaldisplay unit 5048 is projected on the back of the observing screen 5010.Thus, an image to be displayed on the observing screen 5010 is the sameimage as that displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 5048.

The focus selection mechanism 5058 operates together with a modeselection of the printer 5002 by the selection lever 5011. According tothe focus selection mechanism 5058, the exposing optical system 5050moves along the optical path between the first reflecting mirror 5049and the second reflecting mirror 5046. Thus, an image to be projectedonto the observing screen 5010 is surely focused.

A user operates various switches of the operation panel 5024 tosequentially read image data recorded on the memory card 5014, andobserves the same on the observing liquid crystal display unit 4022 sothat an image to be printed is selected and decided among the observedimage data.

Further, according to the printer 5002 of the present embodiment, it ispossible to combine decoration data such as a frame, a message, acharacter mark, etc., with image data entered from the exterior intoprinting. When the operation panel 5024 is operated to issue aninstruction that decoration data is used, the system controller 5070sequentially read decoration data from the decoration data memory 5076.The decoration data thus read is combined with image data selected bythe decoration data memory 5076. A composite image data of the imagedata with the decoration data is displayed on an external monitorthrough the external output terminal 5016, and also on the observingliquid crystal display unit 5048 through the interface circuit 5080, andthen projected onto the observing screen 5010.

In the event that image data to be printed is determined, the selectionlever 5011 is operated to switch the printer 5002 to the print mode.When the printer 5002 is switched to the print mode, the systemcontroller 5070 stops the image display of the liquid crystal displayunit 5048, and thereby preventing unintentional exposure on the filmunit 5029.

As shown in FIG. 97, when the selection lever 5011 is operated, theswitching reflecting mirror 5052 rotatively moves so that the exposingoptical path between the exposing optical system 5050 and the secondreflecting mirror 5046 is released, and the observing optical pathextending to the observing screen 5010 is closed. The exposing opticalsystem 5050 is translated by the focus selection mechanism 5058 alongthe optical axis between the first reflecting mirror 5049 and the secondreflecting mirror 5046, so that an image to be displayed on the liquidcrystal display unit 5048 is focused on the sensitive surface 5029 a ofthe film unit 5029.

When the print switch 5005 is depressed, the system controller 5070receives a print signal via an I/O port 5071. The system controller 5070enables the shutter circuit 5102 in accordance with the print signal.The shutter circuit 5102 controls the interface circuit 5080 so that theliquid crystal display unit 5048 serves as a shutter, and specifically,causes the liquid crystal display unit 5048 to display a full colorimage thereon by a predetermined time so that a suitable exposure on thefilm unit 5029 is effected. It is acceptable that an exposure time isautomatically controlled in accordance with sensitivity of the film unit5029 and density of image data, or alternatively a user sets up.Further, it is also acceptable that instead of control of the exposuretime, a drive current of driving LED's 5066, 5067 and 5068 of the LEDunit 5063 is controlled to control an amount of light of the LED's 5066,5067 and 5068 per se.

An image displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 5048 is reflectedon the first reflecting mirror 5049 and is incident onto the exposingoptical system 5050. An image transmitted through the exposing opticalsystem 5050 is reflected on the second reflecting mirror 5046 and isimaged on the sensitive surface 5029 a of the film unit 5029. Thus, theimage displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 5048 is exposed onthe sensitive surface 5029 a of the film unit 5029. In this manner, itis possible to easily utilize the liquid crystal display unit 5048,which can be used for exposure, for a portable printer driven by abattery and the like, since the power dissipation is small. Further,since the liquid crystal display unit 5048 can be commonly used for bothexposure and image observation, it is possible to reduce the cost of theprinter 5002 and also to provide a portable printer which is small inpower dissipation.

On the sensitive surface 5029 a of the film unit 5029, an image, whichis reversed in the top and bottom and the right and left with respect toan image displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 5048, is exposed.However, an image is observed from the opposite side of the sensitivesurface 5029 a of the film unit 5029. Thus, an image to be observed isthe same image as that displayed on the liquid crystal display unit5048.

When the exposure on the film unit 5029 is terminated, the systemcontroller 5070 enables the driving motor 5039 by a motor driver 5104.The driving motor 5039, as shown in FIG. 100, drives the film transportmechanism 5038 and the developing roller pair 5040 as well.

In the film transport mechanism 5038, the claw member transports thefilm unit 5029 upwards through the delivery outlet 5043 provided on thetop of the case 5028 in such a manner that the claw member enters agroove 5042 formed in the front of the case 5028, and moves upwardswhile dipping up the lower end of the film unit 5029 located in thefront row within the case 5028. The film unit 5029 transported from thecase 5028 is fed between the developing rollers 5040.

The developing rollers 5040 are also driven by the driving motor 5039 torotate in mutually different directions so that the film unit 5029 issandwiched between the developing rollers 5040 and is conveyed to adischarge outlet 5004 located upwards. The developing rollers 5040 areenergized by springs and spacers (not illustrated) to make an approachto one another maintaining regular intervals so as to sandwich the filmunit 5029 with strong power. Thus, the developer pot 5029 b of the filmunit 5029 is exploded so that developer flows into a sensitive layerinside the sensitive surface 5029 a. The developing rollers 5040uniformly spreads developer on the sensitive layer inside the sensitivesurface 5029 a, and discharges the film unit 5029 through the dischargeoutlet 5004. The discharged film unit 5029 can be observed in the formof a positive image after a predetermined time for developing andtransfer processing on the film unit.

While a positive image formed on the observing surface of the film unit5029 according to the sixth embodiment is an image which is reversedwith respect to the top and bottom direction, reversing an image to bedisplayed on the liquid crystal display unit 5048 with respect to thetop and bottom direction makes it possible to form a positive imageformed on the observing surface of the film unit 5029 in the form of anerect image. This is implemented by providing an image attitudecorrection function for correcting an attitude of an image for the imagedata processing circuit 5078. In case of the present embodiment, it iseffective that when the printer 5002 is in the image observation mode,an erect image is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 5048, andwhen the printer 5002 is in the print mode, an image, which is reversedin the top and bottom direction, is displayed on the liquid crystaldisplay unit 5048.

According to the present embodiment, while the transmission film unithas been described by way of example, it is possible to use a mirrorimage type of film unit in which a positive image is formed on anexposure surface for observation. In this case, when an erect image isdisplayed on the exposing liquid crystal display unit, an image formedon the observing surface of the mirror image type of film unit is animage which is reversed with respect to the top and bottom direction andright and left direction. However, as mentioned above, by providing animage attitude correction function for the image data processing circuitand displaying an erect image on the liquid crystal display unit whenthe printer 5002 is in the image observation mode, and displaying animage, which is reversed in the top and bottom direction and the rightand left direction, on the liquid crystal display unit 5048, it ispossible to obtain a positive image in the form of an erect image alsoin the mirror image type of film unit.

Incidentally, according to the sixth embodiment of a printer asmentioned above, while two reflecting mirrors are used to provide aZ-like shaped exposing optical path and image observing optical path, itis acceptable that a single reflecting mirror is used to provide aL-like shaped exposing optical path and image observing optical path.Hereinafter, there will be described a seventh embodiment of a printeraccording to the present invention in which a single reflecting mirroris used to provide a L-like shaped exposing optical path and observingoptical path. In the following figures, the same parts are denoted bythe same reference numbers as those of the figures referred to the firstembodiment of a printer, and the redundant description will be omitted.

FIG. 107 is a perspective view showing appearance of a seventhembodiment of a printer according to the present invention looking fromthe front side. Similar to the first embodiment of the printer 5002, theprinter 5106 has an observation window 5108 on an inclined upper portionof a projecting member 5107 formed in the front of the printer 5106. Anobserving screen 5109 is set to the observation window 5108. On the sideof the projecting member 5107, there is rotatably mounted, as opticalpath switching means for switching between the exposing optical path andthe image observing optical path, a selection lever 5110 for performinga mode selection of the printer 5106. FIG. 107 shows the printer 5106which is in the image observation mode.

FIG. 108 is a sectional view of the seventh embodiment of the printeraccording to the present invention. Into the projecting member 5107,there are incorporated an liquid crystal display unit 5048, an exposingoptical system 5112 serving as the observation optical system, aswitching reflecting mirror 5113 constituting the optical path switchingmeans, and a reflecting mirror 5114.

Between the exposing optical system 5112 and the second reflectingmirror 5114, there is disposed a switching reflecting mirror 5113 whichis rotatably mounted between a position wherein the exposing opticalpath between the exposing optical system 5112 and the second reflectingmirror 5114 is released to form a L-like shaped exposing optical path,and as shown in FIG. 109, a position wherein the exposing optical pathbetween the exposing optical system 5112 and the second reflectingmirror 5114 is closed to form a L-like shaped observing optical path inwhich an image displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 5048 isreflected toward the back of an observing screen 5109.

One end of the switching reflecting mirror 5113 is mounted on a rotaryshaft 5116 supported inside the printer 5106. The selection lever 5110provided outside the printer 5106 is mounted on one end of the rotaryshaft 5116. Thus, an operation of the selection lever 5110 makes itpossible to rotate the switching reflecting mirror 5113 between aposition forming the exposing optical path and a position forming theobserving optical path.

In this manner, by providing an L-like shaped optical path, it ispossible to reduce a size of the printer 5106 with respect to a frontand back direction as compared with the printer having a Z-like shapedoptical path, thereby implementing compactness and weight saving of theprinter. Further, since a single reflecting mirror can be used, it ispossible to reduce an attenuation of exposing light quantity, andthereby reducing a print time and obtaining an enhanced print.

Incidentally, according to the L-like shaped optical path, an imagedisplayed on the liquid crystal display unit 5048 is exposed on theobserving screen 5109 in a state that the image is reversed with respectto the right and left direction, and on the film unit 5029 in a statethat the image is reversed with respect to the top and bottom directionand the right and left. For this reason, according to the presentembodiment, as shown in FIG. 109, between image data processing circuit5078 and the interface circuit 5080, there is provided as image attitudecorrecting means an image attitude correction circuit 5118 for reversingimage data with respect to the right and left direction. In this manner,an image is displayed on the observing screen 5019 in the form of anerect image, and a positive image, which is reversed with respect to thetop and bottom direction, is formed on the film unit 5029. Regarding thereverse of the film unit 5029 as to the top and bottom direction, thereis no need to correct it by the image attitude correction circuit 5118,since there is no problem if the film unit 5029 is inverted whenobserved.

When the printer 5106 is in the image observation mode, an image, whichis reversed with respect to the right and left direction, is displayedon the liquid crystal display unit 5048, and when the printer 5106 is inthe print mode, an image, which is reversed in the top and bottomdirection and the right and left direction, is displayed on the liquidcrystal display unit 5048. This feature makes it possible to form apositive image in the form of an erect image on the film unit 5029.

Further, also in the printer 5106 of the seventh embodiment, it ispossible to use a mirror image type of film unit in which a positiveimage is formed on the exposure plane. In the event that the mirrorimage type of film unit is used in the printer 5106, when the printer5106 is in the image observation mode, an image, which is reversed withrespect to the right and left direction, is displayed on the liquidcrystal display unit 5048, and when the printer 5106 is in the printmode, an erect image is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit5048. Thus, it is possible to form a positive image in the form of anerect image on the film unit 5029.

According to the sixth and seventh embodiments of the printer asmentioned above, while the exposing optical system is also used as theobserving optical system, the exposing optical system and the observingoptical system are provided individually. Hereinafter, there will bedescribed an eighth embodiment of a printer according to the presentinvention in which the exposing optical system and the observing opticalsystem are provided individually. In the following figures, the sameparts are denoted by the same reference numbers as those of the figuresreferred to the sixth and seventh embodiments of a printer, and theredundant description will be omitted.

FIG. 111 is a perspective view showing appearance of an eighthembodiment of a printer according to the present invention looking fromthe front side. Similar to the sixth and seventh embodiments of theprinter, a printer 5120 has an observation window 5122 on an inclinedupper portion of a projecting member 5121 formed in the front of theprinter 5120. An observing screen 5123 is set to the observation window5122. On the side of the projecting member 5121, there is rotatablymounted, as optical path switching means for switching between theexposing optical path and the image observing optical path, a selectionlever 5124 for performing a mode selection of the printer 5120. FIG. 111shows the printer 5120 which is in the print mode.

FIG. 112 is a sectional view of the eighth embodiment of the printeraccording to the present invention. Into the projecting member 5121,there are incorporated an liquid crystal display unit 5048, a magnifyinglens 5126 serving as the observation optical system, a switchingreflecting mirror 5127, an exposing optical system 5128, an exposingreflecting mirror 5129, and an observing reflecting mirror 5130.

Between the magnifying lens 5126 and the exposing optical system 5128and the observing reflecting mirror 5130, there is disposed a switchingreflecting mirror 5127 which is rotatably mounted between a positionwherein the observing optical path between the magnifying lens 5126 andthe observing reflecting mirror 5130 is closed to form a Z-like shapedexposing optical path, and as shown in FIG. 113, a position wherein anupper portion of the exposing optical system 5128 is closed and a pathbetween the magnifying lens 5126 and the observing reflecting mirror5130 is released to form a L-like shaped observing optical path. One endof the switching reflecting mirror 5127 is mounted on a rotary shaft5132 supported inside the printer 5120. The selection lever 5124provided outside the printer 5120 is mounted on one end of the rotaryshaft 5132. Thus, an operation of the selection lever 5124 makes itpossible to rotate the switching reflecting mirror 5127 between aposition forming the exposing optical path and a position forming theobserving optical path.

In the event that the observing optical path has been formed through theswitching operation of the switching reflecting mirror 5127, an imagedisplayed on the liquid crystal display unit 5048 is magnified by themagnifying lens 5126 and projected onto the observing screen 5123. Inthe event that the exposing optical path has been formed, the magnifyinglens 5126 and the exposing optical system 5128 are used for a magnifiedprojection and imaging of an image for exposure. This feature makes itpossible to reduce the number of parts and thereby contributing tocompactness, weight saving, and low cost, since there is no need toprovide a focus switching mechanism for focusing through a translationof the exposing optical system, as in the sixth and seventh embodiments.

According to the printer 5120, the exposing optical path and theobserving optical path are different in the number of reflecting mirror.Accordingly, an erect image displayed on the liquid crystal display unit5048 is exposed on the film unit 5029 in a state that the image isreversed with respect to the top and bottom direction, and is displayedon the observing screen 5123 in a state that the image is reversed withrespect to the right and left direction. For this reason, according tothe present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 114, in the event that theprinter 5120 is in the image observation mode, between image dataprocessing circuit 5078 and the interface circuit 5080, there isprovided an image attitude correction circuit 5134 for reversing imagedata with respect to the right and left direction as image attitudecorrection. In this manner, an image is displayed on the observingscreen 5123 in the form of an erect image. And thus, it is possible toobserve a proper image.

In the event that the printer 5120 is in the print mode, it isacceptable that an image inverted with respect to the top and bottomdirection by the image attitude correction circuit 5134 is displayed onthe liquid crystal display unit 5048. Thus, it is possible to form apositive image in the form of an erect image on the film unit 5029.

Further, also in the printer 5120 of the present embodiment, it ispossible to use a mirror image type of film unit in which a positiveimage is formed on an exposure plane. In the even that the mirror imagetype of film unit id used in the printer 5120, when the printer 5120 isin the print mode, by displaying a reverse image, which is reversed inthe top and bottom direction and the right and left direction, on theliquid crystal display unit 5048, it is possible to obtain a positiveimage in the form of an erect image.

According to the above-mentioned sixth to eighth embodiments related toa printer, an image displayed on the liquid crystal display unit isprojected onto the screen for the purpose of observations. It ispossible, however, to directly observe the image displayed on the liquidcrystal display unit through magnification by a lens. Hereinafter, therewill be described a ninth embodiment of a printer according to thepresent invention in which the image displayed on the liquid crystaldisplay unit is directly observed. In the following figures, the sameparts are denoted by the same reference numbers as those of the figuresreferred to the sixth to eighth embodiments of a printer, and theredundant description will be omitted.

FIG. 115 is a perspective view showing appearance of a ninth embodimentof a printer according to the present invention looking from the frontside. The printer 5136 has, similar to the sixth to eighth embodimentsof a printer, a projecting member 5137 in the front of the printer 5136.Inside the projecting member 5137, there is not provided an observationwindow to which the observing screen is set. On the side of theprojecting member 5137, there is rotatably mounted a selection lever5138 for performing a switching between the exposing optical path andthe observing optical path and also performing a mode switching of theprinter 5136. The printer 5136 shown in FIG. 115 is in the print mode.FIG. 116 is a perspective view showing appearance of a ninth embodimentof a printer according to the present invention looking from the backside. As shown in FIG. 116, above the back cover 5021 there is formed aneyepiece window 5139 for observing an image.

FIG. 117 is a sectional view of the ninth embodiment of the printeraccording to the present invention in the state of a print mode. Asshown in FIG. 117, into the projecting member 5137, there areincorporated an liquid crystal display unit 5048, a magnifying lens 5141serving as the observing optical system, a switching reflecting mirror5142, an exposing optical system 5143, and an exposing mirror 5145.

Between the magnifying lens 5141 and the exposing optical system 5143and the eyepiece window 5139, there is disposed the switching reflectingmirror 5142 which is rotatably mounted between a position wherein theobserving optical path between the magnifying lens 5141 and the eyepiecewindow 5139 is closed to form a Z-like shaped exposing optical path, andas shown in FIG. 118, a position wherein an upper portion of theexposing optical system 5143 is closed and the observing optical pathbetween the magnifying lens 5126 and the eyepiece window 5139 isreleased.

As shown in FIG. 118, in the event that the observing optical path isformed by the switching reflecting mirror 5142, an image displayed onthe observing liquid crystal display unit 5048 is magnified by themagnifying lens 5141, and emitted from the eyepiece window 5239. Inorder to see the image on the liquid crystal display unit 5048, anobserver looks through the eyepiece window 5139 with his single eye.This brings about such an advantage that the image is prevented frombeing seen by another person.

Further, according to the print 5136 of the present embodiment, there isno need to move the exposing optical system 5143 for focusing in twoways. Thus, the printer 5136 does not have to have a focus switchingmechanism which works together with the selection lever 5138. Thisfeature makes it possible to reduce the number of parts, and therebycontributing to compactness, weight saving, and low cost.

As the magnifying lens for magnifying an image displayed on the liquidcrystal display unit 5048 and emitting the same from the eyepiece window5139, as shown in FIG. 119, Galilean optical system 5149 comprising

lens 5147 and

lens 5148 can be used. The use of the Galilean optical system 5149 makesit possible to perform an image display at higher ratio ofmagnification. In the event that an image display is performed atfurther higher ratio of magnification, as shown in FIG. 120, it isacceptable to use Keplerian optical system 5153 comprising an objectivelens 5150, an intermediate lens 5151 and an eyepiece lens 5152.

Further, also in the printer 5136 of the present embodiment, it ispossible to use a mirror image type of film unit. In this case, in theevent that the printer 5136 is in the image observation mode, an erectimage is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 5048. And in theevent that the printer 5136 is in the print mode, a reverse image, whichis reversed in the top and bottom direction and the right and leftdirection, is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 5048. Thus,it is possible to obtain a positive image in the form of an erect imagealso in the mirror image type of film unit.

According to the liquid crystal display unit 5048, which have beenexplained above as to the sixth to ninth embodiments of a printer, asshown in FIG. 102, the diffusing plate 5061 and the light amplifyingplate 5062 are disposed between the liquid crystal panel 5060 and theLED unit 5063. It is acceptable, however, that as in a liquid crystaldisplay unit 5155 shown in FIG. 121, a diffusing plate 5156 is mountedon a circuit substrate 5158 of an LED unit 5157, LED's 4519, 5160 and5161 for three primary colors of red, green and blue are disposed at theside of the diffusing plate 5156 so that beams of light are radiatedinto the diffusing plate 5156. According to this arrangement, it ispossible to further thin, as compared with the liquid crystal displayunit 5048, a thickness size in a front and back direction of a covermember 5164 in which the LED unit 5157 and a liquid crystal panel 5162are accommodated, and on which a protection cover 5163 is mounted, andthereby contributing to compactness and weight saving of the printer.

With respect to the shutter circuit, display of the respective frameimages to the liquid crystal panel of the liquid crystal display unitand flashing of the respective LED's are performed in operating time andtiming which are the same as those at the time of the observation.However, at the time of exposure, it is acceptable that the turn-on timeof the LED's is relatively extended so that an exposure is controlled bydisplay of the respective LED's. Alternatively, a quantity of light ofeach of the respective LED's is increased per se by increasing a drivingcurrent for driving the associated LED, so that an exposure iscontrolled. This makes it possible to increase an exposure, and therebyreducing an exposure time and providing an optimum exposure for asensitivity of a film.

Further, According to the sixth to ninth embodiments of a printer asmentioned above, while a film unit is discharged from the top of aprinter, it is acceptable that a film unit is discharged from the bottomof a printer. Further, while a printer is arranged on a vertical basis,it is acceptable that a printer is arranged on a horizontal basis. Inthis case, it is acceptable that a film unit is discharged from a sideof a printer.

According to the above-mentioned embodiments, while the transmissioninstant film unit has been described by way of example, it is possibleto use a mirror image type of instant film unit. In this case, byaltering an optical path or correcting attitude of an image displayed onthe liquid crystal display unit by the image attitude correction meansat the time of observation and exposure, a positive image is formed inthe form of an erect image on the film unit.

It is acceptable to use both the transmission film unit and the mirrorimage type of film unit. In this case, it is effective that the imageattitude correction circuit corrects at the time of observation andexposure attitude of an image displayed on the liquid crystal displayunit in accordance with a type of a film unit setting. With respect to adiscrimination of the film type, it is either acceptable that a userinstructs it or a printer discriminates it.

A sensitive material to be used as a recording material is notrestricted to the instant film unit, and it is acceptable to use ageneral photographic film such as 135 type, 120 type, and a silver salttype of sheet film, and the like.

While the image attitude correction circuit is additionally provided, itis acceptable to correct attitude of an image by the image dataprocessing circuit.

While it has been described that the LED's are turned on in the order ofred, green and blue, this order is not restricted. It is acceptable tointerchange the order, for example, to blue, green and red.

While a memory card is used as an external storage medium for inputtingimage data, it is acceptable to use a floppy disk, and a removable mediasuch as a magneto-optic disc, and a CD-ROM.

It is acceptable that a image taking lens and an image sensing deviceare incorporated so that a dynamic image and a still image can bephotographed, and the photographed image can be immediately printed.

While the present invention has been described with reference to theparticular illustrative embodiments, it is not to be restricted by thoseembodiments but only by the appended claims. It is to be appreciatedthat those skilled in the art can change or modify the embodimentswithout departing from the scope and sprit of the present invention.

1. A printer comprising: An exposing liquid crystal display unit having a transmissive liquid crystal panel having a number of pixels arranged on a two-dimensional basis, on which an image is formed, and a light source unit emitting beams of light of a plurality of luminescent colors for irradiating said liquid crystal panel from back; an interface circuit for separating an entered color image signal to a plurality of color image signals associated with a plurality of luminescent colors of said light source unit, respectively, to sequentially form on said liquid crystal panel a plurality of separation images associated with the plurality of color image signals, said interface circuit causing said light source unit to flash with a luminescent color associated with a separation image formed on said liquid crystal panel in synchronism with a sequential formation of the separation images onto said liquid crystal panel; and an exposing optical system for magnifying and projecting an image formed on said exposing liquid crystal display unit to provide imaging on a sensitive plane of a sensitive material.
 2. A printer according to claim 1, wherein said sensitive material is an instant film unit, and said printer has means for developing the instant film unit and discharging the same.
 3. A printer according to claim 1, wherein said printer has an observing liquid crystal display unit for observing an image, in addition to said exposing liquid crystal display unit.
 4. A printer according to claim 3, wherein said observing liquid crystal display unit is of a same type as said exposing liquid crystal display unit, wherein an observation is performed through an observing optical system.
 5. A printer according to claim 3, wherein said observing liquid crystal display unit is of a different type from said exposing liquid crystal display unit, wherein an observation is performed directly or through an observing optical system.
 6. A printer according to claim 3, wherein said observing liquid crystal display unit is of a different type from said exposing liquid crystal display unit, and is disposed between a pair of pressing members which press an instant film unit to an exposure position.
 7. A printer according to claim 4, wherein said observing optical system comprises a magnifying lens for ejecting from an eyepiece window an image magnified from an image formed on the observing liquid crystal display unit.
 8. A printer according to claim 5, wherein said observing optical system comprises a magnifying lens for ejecting from an eyepiece window an image magnified from an image formed on the observing liquid crystal display unit.
 9. A printer according to claim 6, wherein said observing optical system comprises a magnifying lens for ejecting from an eyepiece window an image magnified from an image formed on the observing liquid crystal display unit.
 10. A printer according to claim 7, wherein said magnifying lens is a Galilean optical system.
 11. A printer according to claim 8, wherein said magnifying lens is a Galilean optical system.
 12. A printer according to claim 9, wherein said magnifying lens is a Galilean optical system.
 13. A printer according to claim 10, wherein said magnifying lens is a Keplerian optical system.
 14. A printer according to claim 11, wherein said magnifying lens is a Keplerian optical system.
 15. A printer according to claim 12, wherein said magnifying lens is a Keplerian optical system.
 16. A printer according to claim 1, wherein two reflective mirrors are disposed between said liquid crystal display unit and the sensitive plane, and an exposing optical path is shaped as a Z-like.
 17. A printer according to claim 1, wherein a reflective mirror is disposed between said liquid crystal display unit and the sensitive plane, and an exposing optical path is shaped as a L-like.
 18. A printer according to claim 1, wherein said interface circuit has an operating frequency conversion unit for converting an inputted image signal into an image signal synchronized with an operating frequency of said exposing liquid crystal display unit.
 19. A printer according to claim 1, wherein said interface circuit causes said light source unit to flash with a luminescent time shorter than a time for an image associated with the color image signal.
 20. A printer according to claim 1, wherein said interface circuit repeatedly forms a frame of color images on said exposing liquid crystal display unit so that a frame of color images is continuously displayed.
 21. A printer according to claim 1, wherein said printer further comprises image attitude correction means for correcting attitude of an image displayed on said exposing liquid crystal display unit so that an image formed on the sensitive material is observed in form of an erect image.
 22. A printer comprising: An liquid crystal display unit having a transmissive liquid crystal panel having a number of pixels arranged on a two-dimensional basis, on which an image is formed, and a light source unit emitting beams of light of a plurality of luminescent colors for irradiating said liquid crystal panel from back; an interface circuit for separating an entered color image signal to a plurality of color image signals associated with a plurality of luminescent colors of said light source unit, respectively, to sequentially form on said liquid crystal panel a plurality of separation images associated with the plurality of color image signals, said interface circuit causing said light source unit to flash with a luminescent color associated with a separation image formed on said liquid crystal panel in synchronism with a sequential formation of the separation images onto said liquid crystal panel; optical path switching means for switching between an exposing optical path for transmitting light of said light source unit transmitted through said liquid crystal panel to a sensitive plane of a sensitive material as a recording material and an observing optical path for transmitting light of said light source unit transmitted through said liquid crystal panel to an external observation window; an exposing optical system for magnifying and projecting an image formed on said liquid crystal display unit to provide imaging on a sensitive plane of a sensitive material; and an observing optical system for magnifying and projecting an image formed on said liquid crystal display unit onto the observation window through an observing optical path.
 23. A printer according to claim 22, wherein said exposing optical system and said observing optical system are commonly used by a single imaging optical system disposed within an optical path in which the exposing optical path and the observing optical path are partially overlapped, and said imaging optical system is translated, operating together a switching operation of said optical path switching means, between a position in which an image formed on said liquid crystal display unit is imaged on the sensitive plane of the sensitive material and a position in which an image formed on said liquid crystal display unit is imaged on an observing screen provided on the observation window.
 24. A printer according to claim 22, wherein said observing optical system is disposed within an optical path in which the exposing optical path and the observing optical path are partially overlapped, and at time of exposure onto the sensitive material said exposing optical system and said observing optical system are used to image an image formed on said liquid crystal display unit on the sensitive plane, and at time of projection of the image onto the observation window with magnification only said observing optical system is used.
 25. A printer according to claim 22, wherein said observation window is an eyepiece window which is used for an observation in a state of eyepiece state, and said observing optical system comprises a magnifying lens for ejecting from an eyepiece window an image magnified from an image formed on the observing liquid crystal display unit.
 26. A printer according to claim 25, wherein said magnifying lens is a Galilean optical system.
 27. A printer according to claim 25, wherein said magnifying lens is a Keplerian optical system.
 28. A printer according to claim 22, wherein two reflective mirrors are disposed between said liquid crystal display unit and the sensitive plane, and an exposing optical path is shaped as a Z-like.
 29. A printer according to claim 22, wherein a reflective mirror is disposed between said liquid crystal display unit and the sensitive plane, and an exposing optical path is shaped as a L-like.
 30. A printer according to claim 22, wherein said optical path switching means comprises a switching reflecting mirror disposed opposing against said liquid crystal display unit and movable a position in which light of said light source unit transmitted through said liquid crystal panel is reflected toward the exposing optical path and a position in which light of said light source unit transmitted through said liquid crystal panel is reflected toward the observing optical path.
 31. A printer according to claim 30, wherein between said liquid crystal display unit and the sensitive plane said switching reflecting mirror and an exposing reflecting mirror are disposed to form a Z-like shaped exposing optical path, and between said liquid crystal display unit and the observation window said switching reflecting mirror and an observing reflecting mirror are disposed to form a L-like shaped observing optical path.
 32. A printer according to claim 22, wherein said sensitive material is an instant film unit, and said printer has means for developing the instant film unit and discharging the same.
 33. A printer according to claim 22, wherein said interface circuit has an operating frequency conversion unit for converting an inputted image signal into an image signal synchronized with an operating frequency of said exposing liquid crystal display unit.
 34. A printer according to claim 22, wherein said interface circuit causes said light source unit to flash with a luminescent time shorter than a time for an image associated with the color image signal.
 35. A printer according to claim 22, wherein said interface circuit repeatedly forms a frame of color images on said exposing liquid crystal display unit so that a frame of color images is continuously displayed.
 36. A printer according to claim 22, wherein said printer further comprises image attitude correction means for correcting attitude of an image displayed on said exposing liquid crystal display unit so that an image formed on the sensitive material is observed in form of an erect image.
 37. A printer according to claim 36, wherein said image attitude correction means operates or stops in operation working together an switching operation of said optical path switching means. 